Urinalysis and Body Fluids 6th Edition by Majorie DiLorenzo, Susan Strasinger

Exercise 51

A primary characteristic used to identify renal tubular epithelial cells is:

A. Elongated structure

B. Centrally located nucleus

C. Spherical appearance

D. Eccentrically located nucleus

Step 1 of 2

Renal tubular epithelial cells:

Renal tubular epithelial cells (RTE) originate from renal tubules.

• RTE have rough granules and resembles casts.

• RTE cells from proximal convoluted tubule are larger than cells from distal convoluted tubule

• Cuboidal shape RTE cells are formed from collecting duct.

• RTE cells are mistaken for spherical transitional cells and WBCs.

• RTE have eccentrically placed nucleus which helps in differentiation from transitional cells (spherical).

Eccentric:

• Nucleus location away from the center.

Therefore, eccentrically situated nucleus is primary characteristics of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTE) that is used for identification. Hence, the correct answer is option.