stem cells

Histology

The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into multiple specialized cell types.

Tissue-specific stem cells (adult stem cells)

Multipotent stem cells found in mature tissues that can generate the specialized cell types of that particular tissue.

Multipotent

The ability of a stem cell to differentiate into multiple cell types within a specific lineage.

Unipotent

The ability of a stem cell to differentiate into only one cell type.

Progenitor cells

Cells derived from stem cells that have begun to differentiate and are committed to a specific lineage but can still undergo several rounds of cell division.

Differentiated cells

Specialized cells that have acquired a specific structure and function.

Epithelial lining of small intestine

The layer of cells that forms the inner surface of the small intestine, responsible for absorption and secretion.

Villus

Finger-like projections of the small intestinal lining that increase the surface area for absorption.

Crypts

Invaginations of the small intestinal lining that contain stem cells and progenitor cells responsible for tissue renewal.

Hematopoietic stem cells

Multipotent stem cells in the bone marrow that give rise to all blood cell types.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells, responsible for oxygen transport.

Leukocytes

White blood cells, involved in the immune response.

Stem cell niche

The local microenvironment that provides signals and support to maintain stem cell self-renewal and regulate their differentiation.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Pluripotent stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst.

Fibroblasts

Connective tissue cells that produce collagen and other extracellular matrix components.

Induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) Cells

Somatic cells that have been reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like pluripotent state by the introduction of specific genes.