Which cells stain blue in histology of the digestive and respiratory tracts?

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

Which cells stain blue in histology of the digestive and respiratory tracts?

Goblet cells are mucus-secreting cells found throughout the digestive and respiratory tracts. Their cytoplasm is packed with mucins that contain acidic polysaccharides. When a histochemical stain that binds acidic mucins is used, such as Alcian blue, these mucins take up the dye and the goblet cells appear blue. Other cells in these epithelia—ciliated cells, enterocytes, and basal cells—do not produce mucin in the same way and do not stain blue with Alcian blue, so they don’t stand out in the same way. In routine hematoxylin and eosin staining goblet cells often look pale because the mucin doesn’t stain, but the blue color with Alcian blue highlights them clearly.

Goblet cells are mucus-secreting cells found throughout the digestive and respiratory tracts. Their cytoplasm is packed with mucins that contain acidic polysaccharides. When a histochemical stain that binds acidic mucins is used, such as Alcian blue, these mucins take up the dye and the goblet cells appear blue. Other cells in these epithelia—ciliated cells, enterocytes, and basal cells—do not produce mucin in the same way and do not stain blue with Alcian blue, so they don’t stand out in the same way. In routine hematoxylin and eosin staining goblet cells often look pale because the mucin doesn’t stain, but the blue color with Alcian blue highlights them clearly.

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