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health advisory Hospital Doctor Yu 2007-11-8 19:09:04

Answers:

The definition for "stem" in the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary says, (noun) "3 : a line of ancestry : STOCK; especially : a fundamental line from which others have arisen" and "intransitive verb : to occur or develop as a consequence : have or trace an origin <her success stems from hard work>." "Stem" comes from: "Middle English, from Old English stefn, stemn stem of a plant or ship; akin to Old High German stam plant stem and probably to Greek stamnos wine jar"

The entry for "stem cell" states, (noun) "an unspecialized cell that gives rise to differentiated cells <hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow>."

So, the differentiated (tissue) cells "stem" from stem cells.

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brain stem.

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Because differentiated (specialized) cells "stem" from them. Stem cells are cells that haven't yet differentiated into specific body cells that will perform a specific function.

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A stem cell is a type of cell that has the ability to either divide for indefinite periods in culture to create more stem cells, or to give rise to specialized cells. Because of their ability to develop into any cell type, they could potentially provide an unlimited source of adult cells, such as bone, muscle, liver, or blood cells.

Several types of stem cells exist, which will be described in the context of human development. To view a brief animation detailing the process of human development, click on 鈥渢utorial.鈥?br />