Stem cells in orthopedics: Current concepts and possible future applications From: Indian Journal of Medical Sciences | Date: April 1, 2006| Author: Bagaria, Vaibhav; Patil, Nilesh; Sapre, Vikram; Chadda, Anshul; Singrakia, Manoj | Copyright Medknow Publications Apr 2006. Provided by ProQuest LLC.Copyright information

Introduction

A stem cell is a cell that has the ability to divide for indefinite periods - often through out the life of an organism. The stem cells, when provided with the right signals, have the potential to differentiate into different types of cells that constitute an organism. These cells when differentiated can have a characteristic shape and specialized functions, such as heart cells, skin cells or nerve cells.[1],[2] In short, stem cells have two distinctive properties, one the...