general_cell_types_upper_slim capable of cell stem cell animal stem cell FMA:63368 https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0000034 ZFA:0005957 Stem cells are a unique type of cell that has the remarkable ability to divide and develop into many different types of cells in the body. These cells are undifferentiated, meaning they haven't yet developed into a specific cell type, and they can renew themselves through cell division. As a result, stem cells have the potential to replace damaged or diseased cells in the body, making them a valuable tool in medicine and research. There are two main types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos and can develop into any type of cell in the body. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, are found in various tissues and organs throughout the body and can only develop into certain types of cells. Stem cells have numerous potential applications in medicine, including the treatment of various diseases and the repair of damaged tissues. For example, they could be used to replace damaged heart tissue after a heart attack or to repair spinal cord injuries. Stem cells also have potential uses in drug development and disease research, as they can be used to model diseases and test potential therapies in vitro. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) CALOHA:TS-2086 A relatively undifferentiated cell that retains the ability to divide and proliferate throughout life to provide progenitor cells that can differentiate into specialized cells. stem cell precursor cell stem cell division Homo sapiens