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Normal urothelial cells line the ureters, bladder and urethra. All individuals shed a few urothelial cells which are characterized by a round to oval shape, and a smooth, round nucleus with evenly distributed chromatin. In cases of infection or when urine is collected using instrumentation such as catheterization, the urothelial cells may appear in small to large groups. Under these conditions, the urothelial cells are larger and exhibit increased amounts of chromatin and small to large nucleoli. Normal voided, catheterized, and reactive urothelial cells are demonstrated.
Normal urothelial cells. Papanicolaou Stain, 600X magnification.
Normal urothelial cells in a catheterized urine. Papanicolaou Stain, 600X magnification.
Reactive urothelial cells. Papanicolaou Stain, 400X magnification.
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