What are the differences between pseudostratified and transitional epithelium?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Pseudostratified epithelium

Transitional epithelium

Definition

Is a type of simple epithelium that is made up of a single layer of cells of various sizes

Is a type of stratified epithelium that is made up of multiple layers of cells that have the ability to expand and contract when needed

Types of cells

Cells are usually column shaped

Cells may be squamous, cuboidal, or columnar

Number of cell layers

One

Multiple – usually six

Attachment to basement membrane

All cells are attached to the basement membrane at their lower edge

Only the lowest layer of cells is attached to the basement membrane

Found in

Trachea, bronchi, and much of the respiratory tract

Lines the bladder, uterus, and urethra

Function

Filtration, and absorption

Allows organs to expand when filled with fluid and also acts as an effective permeability barrier

Presence of cilia/microvilli

Cells have cilia

Cells have microvilli

Basis of differentiation	Pseudostratified epithelium	Transitional epithelium
Definition	Is a type of simple epithelium that is made up of a single layer of cells of various sizes	Is a type of stratified epithelium that is made up of multiple layers of cells that have the ability to expand and contract when needed
Types of cells	Cells are usually column shaped	Cells may be squamous, cuboidal, or columnar
Number of cell layers	One	Multiple – usually six
Attachment to basement membrane	All cells are attached to the basement membrane at their lower edge	Only the lowest layer of cells is attached to the basement membrane
Found in	Trachea, bronchi, and much of the respiratory tract	Lines the bladder, uterus, and urethra
Function	Filtration, and absorption	Allows organs to expand when filled with fluid and also acts as an effective permeability barrier
Presence of cilia/microvilli	Cells have cilia	Cells have microvilli