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Differentiated Cell Types

Cellular differentiation is the process by which the subsequent divisions of a single fertilized egg cell develop into the many specialized cells found within a mature organism. A totipotent cell can differentiate into all cell types, while a pluripotent cell can differentiate into only some different cell types. Pluripotent mammalian cells are known as stem cells. The only totipotent mammalian cells are the zygote and early embryonic cells, while the cells of many other species can revert to totipotency.

  1. Hematopoietic Cells

    • Hematopoietic cells are pluripotent, producing various types of blood cells. They are the source of lymphoid cells, such as T cells, B cells and NK cells. Hematopoietic cells also produce myeloid cells like monocytes, platelets, neutrophils, basophils, erythrocytes, eosinophils and dendritic cells. For every 10,000 myeloid cells, there is only one hematopoietic cell.

    Mesenchymal Cells

    • Mesenchymal cells are pluriipotent cells that differentiate into the cells that make up bone (osteoblasts), fat (adipocytes) and connective tissue like those in cartilage (chondrocytes). They have a small cell body with a large nucleus. The umbilical cord is an excellent source for the most primitive form of these cells.

    Epithelial Cells

    • Epithelial cells make up the epidermis, gastrointestinal lining and lining of internal body cavities. They are found lining the interior of the eye, nose, pharynx, larynx, lungs, esophagus, gut and bladder. Dividing epithelial cells in the intestines combine to form projections known as villi. Those in the dermis (keratinocytes) work their way outward throughout the course of their life to form the epidermis.

    Muscle Satellite Cells

    • Muscle satellite cells are very small mononuclear stem cells distributed through mature muscle. Their diminutive size and lack of almost any cytoplasm can make them difficult to discern from the subsarcolemmal nuclei of the fibers. They are responsible for healing damaged tissue and are otherwise quiescent, or not dividing. When stressed, muscle satellite cells proliferate as myoblasts, then begin myogenic differentiation.

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