Ureteral Epithelial Cells (UEC)

Ureteral Epithelial Cells(UEC), is a type of stratified epithelial tissue that lines most of the urinary tract, from the calyces in kidneys to the proximal part of the urethra. This epithelium in the non-distended state, resembles stratified cuboidal epithelium, but undergoes a transition in their appearance to stratified squamous epithelium when stretched, while maintaining the actual number of layers.UEC consist of an apical layer of large, dome-shaped cells called umbrella cells, that are sometimes bi- or multinucleated. These cells have specialized membranes that are impermeable and able to withstand the hypertonic and potential cytotoxic effects of urine, thus, offering protection to underlying tissues.