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MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY (HISTOLOGY) of TRANSITIONAL EPITHELIUM (Stretched state), URINARY BLADDER, 250X. Transitional Epithelium (found lining the bladder and ureter) consists of several layers of cells that can change their shape when the organ is stretched. The cells here assume a flattened shape when the bladder is stretched (when filling with urine) as opposed to a plumper shape when not stretched. This image also shows the muscular layer of the bladder--dark blue showing nuclei of smooth muscle cells. Below the muscular layer (called detrusor muscle), is connective tissue with a blood vessel filled with red blood cells (reddish appearance).