What type of cells can show a variety of shapes based on stretch or pressure?

Transitional epithelial cells are specialized cells found in the lining of the urinary bladder and parts of the urinary tract. One of their defining features is their ability to change shape in response to stretching or pressure. This adaptability is crucial for their role in accommodating varying volumes of urine.

When the bladder fills with urine, these cells can become flattened; conversely, when empty, they typically appear more rounded or cuboidal. This property allows for the bladder to expand and contract without compromising the integrity of the epithelial layer, effectively maintaining a barrier to protect underlying tissues from the potentially harmful effects of urine.

Squamous epithelial cells, while adaptable, have a more fixed, flattened shape and do not have the same level of variation as transitional cells. Skeletal cells, related to muscle tissue, are not involved in the urinary system. Renal tubular epithelial cells, although important in kidney function, do not exhibit this particular ability to change shape significantly in response to pressure. Therefore, transitional epithelial cells stand out for their unique capability to adjust their shape based on the physical conditions of the bladder and urinary tract.