ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors focus on the stem cell basis of the mammalian musculo-skeleton, considering both the skeletal components, including bones, cartilage, and teeth, as well as the skeletal muscle, the function of which is intimately linked with the structural elements of the skeleton. They cover the biology of individual musculo-skeletal stem cells in relation to the tissue of which they are a part, including their diversity, function, and what is known about regulatory mechanisms involved in their maintenance and progression toward differentiated cells. Although adult teeth in mammals have a contingent of resident stem cells that can bring about a degree of repair when necessary, they generally do not continue growing throughout life. Whole tooth regeneration will require the formation of the solid structure of the crown from dental stem cells but also the roots, periodontal ligament, and nerve and blood supplies from other progenitors, possibly mimicking the normal developmental process.
