A certain stem cell produces only muscle cells. What kind of stem cell is this?
1 Answer
May 3, 2016
A satellite cell.
Explanation:
Muscles are subjected to wear and tear, and need to regenerate on a regular basis. Terminally differentiated muscle (striated, cardiac, smooth) cannot divide anymore, therefore there is a need for a side population of 'stem cells' within muscle tissue that can proliferate, differentiate and give rise to new muscle.
As we age, this side population of satellite cells tend to get exhausted, making regeneration slower.
