Study for the CAMLPR Histology Practice Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In histology, which mucosal cells are blue-stained components?

Medicinal mucous-secreting goblet cells are highlighted blue because their mucins contain acidic mucopolysaccharides that bind blue dyes like Alcian blue. In mucosal epithelia, goblet cells produce mucus rich in acidic mucins, so when a stain that targets these substances (Alcian blue) is used, the goblet cells show up blue, making them stand out from other epithelial cells. Ciliated cells, enterocytes, and basal cells don’t have the same abundance of acidic mucins, so they don’t appear blue under this stain.

Medicinal mucous-secreting goblet cells are highlighted blue because their mucins contain acidic mucopolysaccharides that bind blue dyes like Alcian blue. In mucosal epithelia, goblet cells produce mucus rich in acidic mucins, so when a stain that targets these substances (Alcian blue) is used, the goblet cells show up blue, making them stand out from other epithelial cells. Ciliated cells, enterocytes, and basal cells don’t have the same abundance of acidic mucins, so they don’t appear blue under this stain.