Stem Cells

Adult stem cells

a stem cell harvested from tissues that are not part of an embryo, such as from bone marrow

Amnion

The membrane that forms a cavity around the embryo; it secretes a fluid (amniotic fluid) into the cavity to protect the embryo

Blastocyst

Hollow ball of cells formed during early embryonic development. Contains inner cell mass (pluripotent cells)

Embryonic stem cells

Stem cells that are cultured from an embryo; usually from fertilised frozen eggs resulting from in-vitro fertilisation

Inner cell mass

The group of cells in the blastocyst that develop into the embryo; also called the embryoblast

Multipotent stem cells

Stem cells that are able to give rise to a limited number of other cell types, for example, blood cells and platelets

Placenta

Organ that supplies nutrients to, and removes wastes from, the foetus; it also produces a number of hormones, including oestrogen and progesterone

Pluripotent stem cells

Stem cells that are able to give rise to many, but not all, of the cell types necessary for foetal development

Proliferation

Process by which cells replicate themselves

Zygote

The fertilised egg from which a new individual develops