What type of stem cells are typically found only in specific organs or differentiated tissues?

Adult stem cells, also known as somatic or tissue-specific stem cells, are typically found in specific organs or differentiated tissues. These cells serve essential roles in the maintenance and repair of the tissues in which they reside. For instance, hematopoietic stem cells are found in the bone marrow and are responsible for the production of blood cells, while mesenchymal stem cells are found in connective tissues and can differentiate into various cell types such as bone, cartilage, and fat cells.

Unlike totipotent, embryonic, and pluripotent stem cells, which have the ability to differentiate into any cell type or give rise to an entire organism, adult stem cells are more specialized and have a limited differentiation potential. They are crucial for regenerative processes in adult organisms as they help to replace damaged or lost cells within their specific environments. This distinctive property makes them vital in medical therapies, particularly in tissue regeneration and repair strategies.