OBSERVATIONS ON THE SECRETORY CYCLE OF GOBLET CELLS

¹ Department of Anatomy, University of Edinburgh

Goblet cells, from the large intestine of rats, have been studied by light and electron microscopy. The supranuclear area contains parallel lamellæ of endoplasmic reticulum, whose intralamellar spaces are continuous with the mucous globules of the goblet. Continuity is shown between the globules, which communicate with the cavity of the crypt at the luminal surface of the cell. The observations suggest that mucus synthesis occurs in the supranuclear region and that the mucus is passed through the goblet before discharge.

Note:

We are grateful to Professor G. J. Romanes who made valuable suggestions during the preparation of this paper. The microscope, which is on permanent loan from the Wellcome Foundation, was maintained by Mr. G. Wilson. The photographs were prepared by Mr. H. Tully and part of the cost of their reproduction was borne by the Carnegie Trust.