Stratified cuboidal epithelium. (Fig. 4-14d)

• This epithelial type is not common and is found primarily in the largest ducts of salivary glands.
• Examine the cross sections of these on slide 11.
• The epithelium consists of 2 or 3 layers of cuboidal or low columnar cells.

What epithelial type makes up the smaller ducts seen in slide 11?


Transitional epithelium (Fig. 4-15)

• This type is found only in the urinary tract and is highly specialized to resist the toxic effects of urine and to "stretch".
• Examine the folded lining of the bladder (slide 12 and slide 28) and ureter (slide 16).
• The most distinguishing features are that most of the superficial cells are
  • Rounded, not squamous, and
  • The basement membrane is very thin and is not visible by LM.
  • Generally 6 to 8 layers thick.
  • The transitional epithelium of the bladder appears to get thinner and the cells flatten as the organ becomes distended with urine.

Intercellular junctions