Transitional cell

Transitional cell is a type of cell found in the urinary system, specifically in the urinary bladder, ureter, and renal pelvis. These cells have the unique ability to stretch and change shape without breaking, a characteristic that allows them to accommodate the fluctuating volumes of urine that pass through the urinary system.

Structure

Transitional cells are cuboidal or columnar when the bladder is empty and squamous when it is full. They are arranged in several layers, forming the transitional epithelium, also known as urothelium. The cells on the surface layer, called umbrella cells, have a specialized structure that prevents urine from seeping back into the body.

Function

The primary function of transitional cells is to provide a barrier between the underlying tissues of the urinary tract and the urine. They prevent the absorption of potentially harmful substances from the urine back into the body. Their ability to stretch and change shape allows them to accommodate the varying volumes of urine that pass through the urinary system.

Clinical significance

Abnormal growth of transitional cells can lead to transitional cell carcinoma, a type of cancer that commonly affects the urinary bladder. It is the most common type of bladder cancer and the second most common type of urological cancer after prostate cancer. Risk factors for transitional cell carcinoma include smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, and chronic bladder infections.

See also

• Transitional epithelium
• Urinary bladder
• Ureter
• Renal pelvis
• Transitional cell carcinoma

References

Transitional cell Resources
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