cell specialization pt. 1

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cell specialization, stem cells, and their roles in development and tissue regeneration.

Hair Follicles

Structures in the skin that produce hair, playing a role in thermoregulation and protection. They contain specialized cells for growth and maintenance of hair.

Bone Marrow

Spongy tissue found in the center of bones, responsible for producing blood cells and storing fat.

Adult Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells found in various tissues of the body (brain, bone marrow, liver) that have the ability to develop into different cell types, contributing to tissue repair and regeneration.

Morphogen

Signaling molecules that dictate the patterns of development in embryos.

Potency

The potential of a stem cell to differentiate into different cell types.

Totipotent

Stem cells that can develop into any cell type, including placental cells.

Pluripotent

Stem cells that can become any cell type but cannot form placental cells.

Multipotent

Stem cells that can become more than one cell type but are limited compared to pluripotent cells.

Stem Cell Niche

The specific microenvironment within a tissue that supports stem cell maintenance and function.

Hemopoiesis

The process of blood cell formation, primarily occurring in bone marrow.

Self-Renewal

The ability of stem cells to divide and produce more stem cells.

Differentiation

The process by which a cell changes from one cell type to another, typically to a more specialized type.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin, which includes different cell types contributing to skin function.

Adipose Tissue

Loose connective tissue that stores fat and helps insulate the body.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

A measurement that describes how much surface area an object has relative to its volume, influencing cellular functions.

Zygote

The fertilized egg formed from the union of sperm and egg cells, which eventually develops into an embryo.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells derived from the early embryo, capable of developing into any cell type in the body.