What is "blastema"

Blastema \Blas*te"ma\, n.; pl. Blastemata. [Gr. bla`sthma bud, sprout.] (Biol.) The structureless, protoplasmic tissue of the embryo; the primitive basis of an organ yet unformed, from which it grows.

1849, Modern Latin, from Greek blastema "offspring, offshoot," from stem of blastanein "to shoot forth," from blastos "sprout, germ," which is of unknown origin. Related: Blastemal.

n. (context physiology English) A clump of undifferentiated cells or blasts, from which an organ or body part will develop, either during the normal growth of an embryo or in the regeneration of a lost body part.

1. n. a mass of undifferentiated cells from which an organ or body part develops

2. [also: blastemata (pl)]

A blastema is a mass of cells capable of growth and regeneration into organs or body parts. Historically, blastemas were thought to be composed of undifferentiated pluripotent cells, but recent research indicates that in some organisms blastemas may retain memory of tissue origin. Blastemas are typically found in the early stages of an organism's development such as in embryos, and in the regeneration of tissues, organs and bone.

Some amphibians and certain species of fish and two species of African spiny mice can produce blastemas as adults. For example, salamanders can regenerate many organs after their amputation, including their limbs, tail, retina and intestine. Most animals, however, cannot produce blastemas.