Goblet cell. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the mucosa of the large intestine (colon), showing a goblet cell. The goblet cell (yellow) is a mucus-secreting cell. Here, it is occurring amongst the microvilli of absorptive cells. The colon functions to absorb water and remaining nutrients from digested food faeces. Microvilli on absorptive cells increase the colon surface area for this purpose. The mucus secreted by goblet cells lubricates the passage of faeces, protecting the colon wall from mechanical damage. It also enables faeces to pass closely over absorptive cells to assist with absorption. Magnification: unknown.