Histology Photomicrographs

Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL& 241L-242L)
Karen Hart, Peninsula College

• Epithelial tissue
  • Simple squamous epithelium
  • Simple cuboidal epithelium
  • Simple columnar epithelium
  • Pseudostratified epithelium
  • Stratified squamous epithelium
  • Transitional epithelium
• Connective tissue proper
• Skin
• Cartilage and bone
• Skeletal muscle, smooth muscle
• Nervous system
• Cardiovascular system
• Lymphatic system
• Respiratory system
• Digestive system
• Urinary system
• Reproductive system
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• Histology home page

Epithelial tissue: Transitional epithelium

Example: A transitional epithelium forms the lining of the bladder.

Transitional epithelium is a stratified epithelium in which the shape of the surface cells changes (undergoes transitions) depending on the degree of stretch.

When a transitional epithelium is not stretched (for example in an empty bladder) the cells of the surface layers are large and rounded. Arrows labeled c indicate several large rounded cells which have been outlined on the photo.

When a transitional epithelium is stretched (as it would be in a full bladder) the cells of the surface layers are pulled into a flatter shape.

Unlabeled arrows indicate base of the epithelium.

ct = connective tissue
lu = lumen
rbc = red blood cell (stained bright pink in this slide)