Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

What is the primary function of Goblet cells?

1. Secrete mucous

2. Produce surfactant

3. Decrease friction in lungs

4. Act as neuroendocrine cells

The correct answer is: Secrete mucous

The primary function of Goblet cells is to secrete mucus, which plays a crucial role in protecting and lubricating the surfaces of various tissues, particularly in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. By producing mucus, Goblet cells help trap pathogens, dust, and other particulate matter, preventing them from entering the body and maintaining moisture in the epithelial surfaces. This secretion is essential for the normal functioning of mucosal membranes, contributing to the overall health and defense of the tissues they line. In contrast, the other functions described in the other choices relate to different cell types or functions within various systems. For example, producing surfactant is primarily a function of alveolar type II cells in the lungs, which helps reduce surface tension and keeps the alveoli from collapsing. Decreasing friction in the lungs pertains to the role of pleural fluid produced by mesothelial cells, while neuroendocrine activity is associated with specialized cells that respond to and release hormones or neurotransmitters, processes not linked to Goblet cells.