When phase-contrast microscopy is used, the cytoplasm and nucleus appear much darker. 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.
