part_of part of tracheal epithelial cell tracheobronchial goblet cell tracheal goblet cell FMA:263075 Tracheal goblet cells are specialized cells found in the lining of the trachea. They are a key component of the tracheobronchial epithelium, a critical region responsible for maintaining open airways and preventing the ingress of harmful particles or irritants. Goblet cells are filled with membrane-bound secretory granules, which are responsible for their distinctive, goblet-like shape. Goblet cells specialize in the production and secretion of mucus, a slimy substance composed primarily of glycoproteins (mucins) and water. This sticky mucus serves to trap foreign particles and pollutants, such as dust, bacteria, and viruses that an organism breathes in. After trapping these particles, the cilia on neighboring ciliated epithelial cells beat synchronously, forming a coordinated escalator to push mucus upwards toward the pharynx, where it's either swallowed or expectorated. This system, known as the mucociliary clearance or escalator, forms a crucial barrier in the lungs against respiratory pathogens and external insults. Changes in the number or function of tracheal goblet cells can engender health complications. For example, goblet cell hyperplasia, or excessive growth of goblet cells, is a common feature of chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This condition results in mucus hypersecretion, airway blockage, and increased risk of respiratory tract infections. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) goblet cell of epithelium of trachea A goblet cell that is part of the epithelium of trachea. epithelium of trachea