Chapter III.7 – The Regeneration of Skeletal Tissues With Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Publisher Summary The adult mesenchymal tissues have distinct molecular compositions and architectures that are optimized for their unique mechanical functions. Yet, all these tissues are derived from relatively common mesenchymal progenitor cells in the mesodermal layer of the developing embryo. Three distinct processes have been identified in considering the options for reconstruction of full or partial lesions in structural tissues. Development is the embryonic process by which tissues are formed and mature in response to in situ chemical and mechanical fields. Repair is the intrinsic process by which tissues attempt to minimize the consequences of injury and provide maximum tissue function by the most rapid method. This chapter defines regeneration as the process of reproducing an injured tissue's molecular composition and architecture as completely as possible for returning the tissue to normal function.