What Makes Stem Cells Different from Regular Cells?

Your body is made of trillions of cells, each that contribute to a specific tissue type that carry out a specified purpose. The cells in your skin help protect you from the outside environment. The cells that compose of your muscles help you move. The cells in your taste buds help pick up chemicals in foods and transmit signals to your brain which translates into flavors. But what all these regular cells have in common is that they have specific roles and a specific goal they operate within to contribute to the overall function of your body. Often, regular cells have unique shapes or cellular components that let them achieve their function.

Stem cells are different.

Stems cells are not specialized, meaning they don't have a specific job they need to do. By not being specialized, stem cells don't contain the characteristics the regular cells have such as a unique shape or special proteins. Instead, stem cells have the capability to differentiate. This means that they can become different kinds of cells of their choosing, making them highly flexible to the needs of their environment.

They are also capable of dividing and renewing themselves for prolonged periods of time thereby ensuring they don't deplete themselves too quickly.

With these two characteristics, stem cells are great ways to rebuild, repair and regenerate damaged and injured tissue in non-surgical and minimally invasive ways. If you have knee, shoulder, joint, or injury that has been bothering you, give us a call to get in touch with our highly professional and knowledgeable medical team!