Cell Types in the Human Digestive System: Red Blood Cells, Kupffer Cells, Goblet Cells, Enterocytes, Chief Cells

Fig. 1 Structure of cell and its Organelles
(Source-Byjus.com)
Cell
Organelles Structure & Function
Nucleus
Nucleus is enveloped by a
double membranous nuclear
membrane. Nucleus are
regarded as the “brains” of the
cell as they regulate the cell
activities. It also contains DNA,
RNA, Protein, nucleolus, and
Chromatin network.
Mitochondria
It is a double membranous
structure which is the
powerhouse of the cell.
Ribosomes Make protein
Golgi
Apparatus
It includes sac like Cisternae
and vesicles. It makes,
modifies and manages the
materials.
Lysosome
These are small round single
membrane bound organelles
which contains digestive
enzymes.
Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Two types of networks of
membrane are present, smooth
and rough. These are
responsible for transportation
of materials intercellularly.
Vacuole These are mainly used for
storage pupose.
TASK 1
Task 1a
5 different cell types used
within the digestive
system of the human body
1. Red blood cell 2. Kupffer cell (liver macrophage) 3.
Goblet cell 4. Enterocyte (Absorptive cell) 5. Chief cell
of the stomach
1. Red Blood Cells (RBC)
RBCs possess a unique structure and are disc-
shaped as shown in Fig.2. This shape increases
the surface area-to-volume ratio of the very
small cells. Therefore, during digestion this
feature facilitates the gases (oxygen and
carbon dioxide) in diffusion across the plasma
membrane of the RBCs more readily. These
cells comprise of huge amount of iron-
containing molecule, hemoglobin (hb) attaches
oxygen as oxygen molecules move into blood
vessels in the lungs. Mature RBCs do not have
cell organelles such as nucleus, mitochondria,
or ribosomes. As it does not have cell
organelles it gives space for the millions of hb
molecules present in RBCs. The fundamental
function of RBCs is to carry oxygen to cells of
the body and bring carbon dioxide to the lungs
(Bailey, 2018).
2. Kupffer cell (liver macrophage)
Among the tissue macrophages, Kupffer cells are
the most frequently found. They are specific
macrophages which are present in liver. They
perform specialized function largely because of
their peroxidase activity. It is referred to as
“tolerogenic” phentotype required to avert
unwanted immune response to stimuli. It contains
all the organelles having specific structure and role
in digestion as shown in Fig. 2.
Plasma Membrane- Kupffer cells have plasma
membranes with structures such as microvilli,
pseudopodia, filopodia, and lamellipodia. These
extensions give them star-like to bug-like look.
Cytoplasm- As Kupffer cells are the largest
sinusoidal cells, volume of their cytoplasm is
usually dense and substantial. Cytoplasm has huge
amount of lysosomes as well which helps in
degradation of organelles and elimination of
wastes, vacuoles which stores substances and
wastes, and phagosomes which helps in engulfment
of foreign bodies.
Golgi Bodies- Golgi bodies are present in groups in
close vicinity to the nucleus. Golgi bodies assist in
secretion and intracellular movement of vesicles.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)-There are
present in abundance in Kupffer cells and perform
the function of ribosome (for protein synthesis)
production.
Fig. 2 Kupfell cell (Source-Sciencedirect.com)
Nucleus- Kupffer cells have only one nucleus which
are usually oval-shaped and have uniformly
dispersed euchromatin.
Other Organelles- various organelles such as free
ribosomes, mitochondria (for ATP production), and
microtubules (for the movement of other
organelles) are plainly circulated in the cytoplasm.