Transitional epithelia are multi-layered cells that can contract and expand. These cells, part of the epithelium, are usually found in the urinary tract, especially around the bladder. Also found in the ureters and superior urethra. These cells appear to be cuboidal when the organ or the tube is not stretched (in reality, squeezed like when your bladder fills up, the tissue actually "compress" hence, "stretched"). When these cells are stretched ("compress") they look squamous.

Some functions of the transitional epithelium cells: accommodates fluctuation of volume of the liquid in an organ or tube (i.e. bladder), protection against the caustic effects of urine.

The free surface of the tissue (the part that faces outward into the organ or tube) is called the apical surface or free surface. The part that lines the bottom of the tissue is called the basement membrane.

Other epithelia include columnar epithelia, cuboidal epithelia, and squamous epithelia.

Epithelial cells