Transitional Epithelium Tutorial
Please read Unit 1 – Introduction to Epithelial Tissues prior to completing the activities in this chapter.
Introduction to Transitional Epithelium
Transitional epithelium is composed of multiple layers of cells (stratified tissue organization) with only the bottom layer of cells (known as basal cells) contacting the basement membrane. Transitional epithelium lines portions of the urinary tract, specifically the urinary bladder, ureters, and renal (kidney) pelvis. Transitional refers to the fact that the shape of superficial cells near the apical surface changes or transitions from large, plump, cuboidal-like cells when the lumen it lines is empty to squamous-like when the lumen fills with urine and the walls distend (stretch) causing the superficial cells to flatten. Transitional epithelium is well adapted to lining the urinary tract as it can tolerate repeated stretching and recoiling (filling and emptying with urine) without damage.
Tutorial: Use the image slider below to learn more about the characteristics of transitional epithelium.
Microscopy: Use the image slider below to learn how to use a microscope to identify and study transitional epithelium lining the urinary bladder.
Microscopy: Use the image slider below to learn how to use a microscope to identify and study transitional epithelium lining a ureter.
Tutorial: Use the hotspot image below to learn more about the characteristics of transitional epithelium lining the urinary bladder.
Tutorial: Use the hotspot image below to learn more about the characteristics of transitional epithelium lining a ureter.
