What role do adult stem cells play in the body?

Adult stem cells play a crucial role in maintaining and repairing tissues throughout the body. Unlike embryonic stem cells, which can develop into any cell type during early development, adult stem cells are usually limited to differentiating into a narrower range of cell types relevant to the specific tissue they reside in.

For example, hematopoietic stem cells found in bone marrow can give rise to various types of blood cells, while mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into bone, cartilage, and fat cells. This regenerative ability is vital for tissue homeostasis and healing, allowing the body to replace damaged or dying cells, thus contributing to overall health and recovery from injuries or degenerative diseases.

This function is fundamental to the body's ability to recover from stress or damage, making adult stem cells essential for the ongoing maintenance of healthy tissues.