RTE cells in the DCT can sometimes be confused with which of the following cell types?

Renal tubular epithelial (RTE) cells found in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) can indeed be mistaken for certain other cell types, particularly white blood cells (WBCs). This confusion arises because RTE cells can appear as round or oval shapes with a somewhat granular cytoplasm, which can resemble the morphology of WBCs under a microscope, especially when the RTE cells are in a condition involving cell swelling or degeneration.

In contrast, WBCs are typically smaller and have distinct features such as a nucleus with a higher nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, which can lead to misidentification in certain contexts. The presence of RTE cells in urine is usually indicative of renal tubular damage or injury, while the presence of WBCs generally signals an inflammatory response, such as in urinary tract infections.

The other cell types noted are less likely to be confused with RTE cells. Transitional epithelial cells, which line the bladder and parts of the urinary tract, have a different appearance characterized by their variability and the presence of multiple layers. Squamous epithelial cells are flat and tend to look completely different than the cuboidal or columnar morphology seen with RTE cells. Muscle cells, being striated or smooth, also