The cytoplasm and nucleus appear much darker when phase-contrast microscopy is used. Note the folded edge of the cytoplasm in the cells indicated by the arrows in the upper image; this is characteristic of squamous epithelial cells. The long, thread-like structures in this microscopic field are mucous strands.
The lower image shows a cluster of squamous epithelial cells. Large numbers of these cells may indicate skin (genital/anal) contamination of the urine specimen.
