A. Described as 'the body's self-repair kit', stem cells have the potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. The stem cells can, theoretically, divide without limit to replenish and repair cells such as brain cells, muscle cells, nerve cells and red blood cells, possibly as many as the 220 types of cell that exist in the body.
Q. What Are Stem Cells?
by Christine Kennard
for About.comUpdated: July 21, 2006
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
More Frequently Asked Questions About Stem Cells
Why not use Adult Stem Cells instead of Embryonic Stem Cells?Have Stem Cells Been Used for TreatmentCan stem cells cure Alzheimer's?
Explore Alzheimer's Disease
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >
Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >
Also from About.com:
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.