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Regenerative
Clinic Guide
Cells and tissue terminology

Stem cells

Also known as: stem cell

Cells that can give rise to other cell types; different kinds have different developmental capabilities.

Source-checked educational compilation · Not independently clinically reviewed

What this means in a clinic conversation

The NCI definition gives blood-forming stem cells as an example. A broad stem-cell label does not identify which cells are present in a preparation or what a proposed treatment can accomplish.

A question to bring

Which type of cells is present, how is it identified, and what evidence concerns this use?

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Related and commonly confused terms

Sources and editorial context

This definition was compiled from the sources below and has not received independent clinical review. It supports understanding and consultation preparation.

  1. NCI Dictionary: stem cell · National Cancer InstituteReference checked 2026-10-02
  2. Minimal criteria for multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells · International Society for Cellular TherapyReference checked 2026-10-02
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