occurring at 3 to 4 days after fertilization and that results from the cleavage of the zygote.

Multipotent

- Capable of differentiating into multiple cell types associated with different organs.

Neoplastic

- Having the characteristic of potentially malignant growth.

Neural stem cell

- A stem cell that can give rise to the different types of cells of the nervous system. Neural stem cells are found in certain areas of the adult brain, in embryos, fetuses, newborns, and juveniles.

Neuron

- The key data-processing cell of the nervous system. Each neuron has a cell body and one or more processes (extensions) called dendrites and axons. Neurons function by the initiation and conduction of electrical impulses that are transmitted to other neurons or cells.

Ovum

- An egg, the female germ, or sex, cell produced in the ovaries.

Placenta

- The oval or discoid spongy structure in the uterus from which the fetus derives its nourishment and oxygen

Plasticity

- The ability of a cell to differentiate into a cell type beyond the tissue in which it normally resides.

Somatic cell

- Any cell of a plant or animal other than a germ cell or germ-cell precursor.

Somatic cell nuclear transfer

- The transfer of a cell nucleus from a somatic cell into an egg from which the nucleus has been removed.

Stem cell

- A cell that has the ability to divide for indefinite periods in culture and to give rise to specialized cells.

Stromal cell

- A non-blood cell that is derived from blood organs, such as bone marrow or fetal liver, which is capable of supporting growth of blood cells in vitro. Stromal cells that make up the matrix within the bone marrow are derived from the mesenchyme and give rise to fat and cartilage.

Front Matter (R1-R18)

Executive Summary (1-6)

1. Project Overview and Definitions (7-18)

2. Adult Stem Cells (19-30)

3. Embryonic Stem Cells (31-40)

4. Opportunities for and Barriers to Progress in Stem Cell Research for Regenerative Medicine (41-54)

5. Findings and Recommendations (55-60)

References (61-66)

Glossary (67-72)

Appendix A: Committee Biographies (73-78)

Appendix B: Workshop Agenda and Speaker Biographies (79-88)

Index (89-94)