Transitional epithelium | |
---|---|
![]() Transitional epithelium | |
![]() Transitional epithelium of the bladder, known as urothelium. The rounded surface of the apical cells is a distinguishing characteristic of this type of epithelium. | |
Details | |
System | Urinary system |
Identifiers | |
TH | H2.00.02.0.02033 |
Anatomical terms of microanatomy |
This article is part of a series on |
Epithelia |
---|
Squamous epithelial cell |
Columnar epithelial cell |
Cuboidal epithelial cell |
Specialised epithelia |
|
Other |
Transitional epithelium is a type of stratified epithelium.[1] Transitional epithelium is a type of tissue that changes shape in response to stretching (stretchable epithelium). The transitional epithelium usually appears cuboidal when relaxed and squamous when stretched.[1] This tissue consists of multiple layers of epithelial cells which can contract and expand in order to adapt to the degree of distension needed. Transitional epithelium lines the organs of the urinary system and is known here as urothelium (pl.: urothelia). The bladder, for example, has a need for great distension.