Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are a type of pluripotent stem cell derived from the inner cell mass of a developing embryo. They are unique in their ability to differentiate into virtually any cell type in the human body, making them a valuable tool in medical research and potential therapies. Here are some key concepts related to embryonic stem cells in the medical field.The use of embryonic stem cells has raised ethical concerns because obtaining them typically involves the destruction of human embryos. This has led to debates and discussions about the moral and ethical implications of ESC research and therapy. In response to these concerns, alternative approaches like induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been developed, which do not require the use of embryos.
