Urothelium

Urothelium
Transitional epithelium of the urinary bladder. Note the rounded surface of the apical cells -- a distinguishing characteristic of this type of epithelium.
Transverse section of ureter.
Identifiers
FMA	67695
Anatomical terminology []

Urothelium (or uroepithelium) is an example of "transitional epithelium". It is the type of epithelium that lines much of the urinary tract including the renal pelvis, the ureters, the bladder, and parts of the urethra.

Urothelial tissue is highly specific to the urinary tract, and has high elasticity and trans-epithelial electrical resistance.

Urothelium consists of approximately 3-5 cell layers, accompanied by a thick layer of protective glycoprotein plaques at its luminal (apical) surface, and is classified as transitional epithelium.

Epithelia are sites of specific diseases.