What Is Cord Tissue?

Recently, researchers have identified additional types of stem cells in the umbilical cord itself. There are mesenchymal stem cells in the Wharton’s jelly, found inside the umbilical cord. These cells are the building blocks of bone and cartilage and show much promise for use in regeneration of those types of tissues. Additionally, the lining of the umbilical cord blood is found to contain mesenchymal and epithelial stem cells in high quantities. Epithelial stem cells are precursors to skin, smooth tissue and organs. Clinical trials are underway, using epithelial cells from the cord lining tissue to treat burns and early results are very encouraging.