To distinguish between stratified epithelium and transitional epithelium, one can look at several key characteristics:
- Cell Layers: Stratified epithelium consists of multiple layers of cells that can provide protection. Each layer may be of different cell shapes, typically cuboidal or columnar, depending on the type of stratified epithelium. Transitional epithelium, on the other hand, is specifically designed to stretch and contract. It usually appears as several layers of cells that can change shape—from being more cuboidal when the bladder is empty to being more flattened when it is full.
- Location: Transitional epithelium is primarily found in the urinary system, particularly in the bladder, ureters, and parts of the urethra, where stretching is necessary. In contrast, stratified epithelium is found in areas subject to abrasion, such as the skin (stratified squamous epithelium), the lining of the mouth, and the esophagus.
- Cell Shape: Stratified epithelium can consist of different cell shapes, whereas transitional epithelium specifically has a unique shape, often described as ‘dome-shaped’ when relaxed and more flattened when distended.
- Cytological Features: The cells in transitional epithelium also have a distinct apical layer that is thicker and may contain two or more nuclei, which is not a typical characteristic of other stratified epithelia.
By examining these characteristics—layers of cells, locations, cell shapes, and cytological features—one can effectively differentiate between stratified epithelium and transitional epithelium.