Cells from the immature embryonic connective tissue. A number of celltypes come from mesenchymal stem cells, includingchondrocytes, which produce cartilage.

Middle layer of a group of cells derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst; it gives rise tobone, muscle, and connective tissue.

The molecules and compounds such as nutrients and growth factors in the fluid surrounding a cell in an organism or in the laboratory, which are important in determining the characteristicsof the cell.

Study of the shape and visual appearance of cells, tissues and organs.

Stem cells whose progeny are of multiple differentiated cell types, but all within a particular tissue, organ, or physiological system. For example, blood-forming (hematopoietic) stem cells are single multipotent cells that can produce all cell types that are normal components of the blood.