Glandular cells

Cytological features and polarity of mucous cells

Glandular cells forming the epithelial lining of the surface and pits of the stomach are called surface mucous cells. Absolutely all cells of this layer are secretory (exocrinocytes). Their main functional feature is the production of a mucus-like secretion that protects the stomach wall. It is important to note that these cells do not synthesize pepsinogen, hydrochloric acid, or intrinsic factor (Castle's factor)—these are the tasks of other cell populations.

Mucous cell cytology is characterized by strict spatial polarity, which ensures the correct vector of secretion release:

• Basal part: houses the cell nucleus and main organelles.
• Apical part: densely packed with granules of mucoid secretion ready for release.
• Apical surface: faces the lumen of the organ, features short microvilli, and is covered with a glycocalyx. The released mucus lies on top of these structures, forming a protective layer.

Classification of cell populations in histology

Within histology, there are various approaches to tissue classification based on the ability of their cells to divide.

Traditional classification divides populations by the principle of renewal:

1. Renewing populations: cells constantly divide and replace dead ones (epidermis, intestinal epithelium, hematopoietic cells).
2. Growing populations: cells of glandular tissues, with the liver being a typical example.
3. Stationary (stable) populations: cells that have completely lost the ability to divide (neurons, skeletal muscle fibers).

However, in modern science, this terminology is criticized. Authors point out that "renewing" systems are actually stationary, as they merely maintain a constant cell composition. At the same time, truly "stationary" cells (e.g., neurons) are not stable at all—their number steadily decreases with age. And "growing" liver tissues do not normally grow under standard conditions.

Therefore, today the modern functional approach is preferred, in which cells are divided into three groups: mitotic, conditionally postmitotic, and postmitotic.

Glandular cells in clinical diagnostics

The assessment of epithelial cell status plays a key role in the diagnostics of cervical diseases. When filling out the cytological report, the physician completes the "Interpretation/Result" section. In the "Epithelial cell abnormalities" category, it is necessary to specify as precisely as possible whether the detected pathology belongs to squamous or specifically to glandular cells. There is also an "Other" category, which describes non-standard findings (e.g., the presence of endometrial cells in a smear in women over 45 years of age).

The detection of glandular cell pathology directly affects patient management tactics. Colposcopy becomes an obligatory diagnostic stage in the following cases:

• Pronounced cytological changes: detection of atypical glandular cells (categories AGC, AGC-NOS, AGC-FN), as well as severe squamous lesions (ASC-H, HSIL). In these cases, colposcopy is mandatory regardless of HPV or Pap test results.
• Mild cytological changes: in cases of ASC-US or LSIL conclusions, but only if high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is present.
• High-risk genotype: when high-risk HPV types 16 and/or 18 are detected, colposcopy is performed for all infected individuals, regardless of the cytological smear results.

Class and exam questions

What else to study on this topic

• Cytological conclusions ASC-US, LSIL, and HSIL: diagnostic criteria
• The role of HPV types 16 and 18 in the development of epithelial lining pathologies
• Filling out the "Interpretation/Result" section and finding categories in cytology
• Diagnostic significance of endometrial cells in women over 45 years of age
• Modern approach to cell division: mitotic and postmitotic groups

Other topics in the "Additional Topics" section

Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.