Structure and Function of Transitional Epithelium: The Tissue Lining the Urinary Tract

Transitional epithelium

Description: Resembles both stratified squamous and stratified cuboidal; basal cells are cuboidal or columnar; surface cells dome shaped or squamous-like, depending on degree of organ stretchFunction: Stretches readily and permits distension of urinary organ by contained urine.Location: Lines the ureters, urinary bladder, and part of the urethra

Transitional epithelium is a type of tissue that lines the organs and structures involved in storing and transporting urine, including the bladder, ureters, and part of the urethra. Transitional epithelium has a flexible and stretchy nature that allows it to withstand the repeated stretching and contracting that occurs while these organs are accumulating and releasing urine.

The cells of transitional epithelium have a unique shape, with a rounded or domed appearance when the organ is empty and a squamous or flattened appearance when the organ is full. This shape change is due to the layers of cells sliding over each other to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the organ.

Transitional epithelium consists of several layers of cells, including basal, intermediate, and superficial layers. The basal layer is the bottommost layer of cells, and it is responsible for producing new cells to replace older, worn-out cells. The intermediate layer consists of several layers of cells that serve as a transitional zone between the basal and superficial layers. The superficial layer is the uppermost layer of cells, and it is responsible for providing a protective barrier against the outside environment.

In summary, transitional epithelium is a specialized type of tissue that lines the urinary tract and has a unique structure and function that allows it to stretch and contract as the bladder and other organs store and release urine.

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