Table of Contents
Why transitional epithelium is waterproof?
Transitional epithelium is stretchable and waterproof. The cells of transitional epithelium are highly keratinized and contain tight junctions or virtually impenetrable junctions, that seal together the cellular membranes of neighboring cells.
Is transitional epithelium permeable to water?
Because of its importance in acting as an osmotic barrier between the contents of the urinary tract and the surrounding organs and tissues, transitional epithelium is relatively impermeable to water and salts. This impermeability is due to a highly keratinized cellular membrane synthesized in the Golgi apparatus.
What makes transitional epithelium unique?
Transitional epithelium is a stratified tissue which can be stretched laterally when forced to expand. This ability of expansion makes transition epithelium unique compared to other epithelial types.
What epithelium protects from water loss?
Simple squamous epithelium allows for rapid diffusion. The keratin present on simple cuboidal epithelium protects from water loss.
Why is the transitional epithelium impermeable to water and salts?
Because of its importance in acting as an osmotic barrier between the contents of the urinary tract and the surrounding organs and tissues, transitional epithelium is relatively impermeable to water and salts. This impermeability is due to a highly keratinized cellular membrane synthesized in the Golgi apparatus.
When does the transitional epithelium change its shape?
January 12, 2017. Transitional epithelium is a stratified tissue made of multiple cell layers, where the cells constituting the tissue can change shape depending on the distention in the organ. When the organ is filled with fluid, cells on the topmost layer of this epithelium can stretch and appear flattened.
Why is the transitional epithelium called the urothelium?
The transitional epithelium is also called urothelium because it lines urinary ducts, such as renal calyxes (2 cell layers), urethers (3 to 5 cell layers), urethra (4 to 5 cell layers) and urinary bladder (up to 6 cell layers). It is not very permeable to salts and water, and it acts as an osmotic barrier between the urine and tissues.
How are the cells in the transitional epithelium avascular?
Like all other epithelial tissues, the transitional epithelium is also avascular with no supply of blood vessels. The cells in this epithelium rely on the blood vessels of the adjacent connective tissues for oxygen, nutrients, and excretion. However, the cells do have a distinct nerve supply.