Stem cell
One of the human body’s master cells, with the ability to grow into any one of the body’s more than 200 cell types. Stem cells are unspecialized (undifferentiated) cells that are characteristically of the same family type (lineage). They retain the ability to divide throughout life and give rise to cells that can become highly specialized and take the place of cells that die or are lost. Stem cells contribute to the body’s ability to renew and repair its tissues. Unlike mature cells, which are permanently committed to their fate, stem cells can both renew themselves and create new cells of whatever tissue they belong to (and other tissues). Bone marrow stem cells, for example, are the most primitive cells in the marrow. From them all the various types of blood cells are descended. Bone marrow stem cell transfusions (or transplants) were originally given to replace various types of blood cells.
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- Stem cell harvest
Obtaining stem cells for use in cancer or other treatment. Usually the cells are removed from the patient’s own bone marrow. Stem cells can be harvested from the blood or bone marrow. Umbilical cords have been saved as a future source of stem cells for the baby.
- Stem cell harvest, peripheral blood
A technique for obtaining stem cells from the patient’s blood for use in bone marrow transplantation. They are lured out of the bone marrow by a special regimen of drugs. The blood is then filtered through a machine, and the stem cells are skimmed off. They can be used right away or stored in liquid […]
- Stem cells
One of the human body’s master cells, with the ability to grow into any one of the body’s more than 200 cell types. All stem cells are unspecialized (undifferentiated) cells that are characteristically of the same family type (lineage). They retain the ability to divide throughout life and give rise to cells that can become […]
- Stenosis
A narrowing. For example, aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart.
- Stenosis, aortic
Narrowing (stenosis) of the heart valve between the left ventricle of the heart and the aorta. This narrowing impedes the delivery of blood through the aorta to the body and makes it tough for the heart to carry out this Herculean task. A normal aortic valve has three leaflets or cusps, but a stenotic valve […]