Where do embryonic stem cells originate from?

Embryonic stem cells originate from developing embryos, specifically from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, which is an early stage of embryonic development. At this stage, the cells are pluripotent, meaning they have the ability to differentiate into any cell type in the body. This unique characteristic allows them to be used in research and potential therapies for a variety of diseases and injuries. The ability to develop into any cell type provides a significant advantage in regenerative medicine and therapeutic applications.

Other sources of stem cells, such as adult tissues or blood cells, primarily yield adult stem cells, which have more limited differentiation potential compared to embryonic stem cells. Procedural cell cultures refer to methods used to grow cells in vitro but do not directly relate to the natural origin of embryonic stem cells.