Transitional epithelium of the urinary bladder (400X)

The bladder's lining consists of a stratified transitional epithelium, allowing it to stretch and contract as urine volume changes. The epithelial cells can flatten when the bladder is distended and become more cuboidal when contracted. Beneath the epithelium is the lamina propria, a connective tissue layer containing blood vessels, nerves, and elastic fibers.