Differentiation

Development into more than one form or into a more specialised form.

The degree to which an individual identifies the self as separate or distinct from others.

The process of development of new characters in cells or tissues.

Process whereby cells take on functions and forms different from those of the cells from which they originated.

A progressive change from the general to the particular and from the simpler to the more complex, which characterizes embryological development.

The development of specialised cells during the early embryo stage.

Process of changing from an original unspecialized form to a different, more specialized, form or function, e.g., cell differentiation in the developing embryo.

The process of change during embryo development that leads to specialization among cells. During embryo development, cells differentiate, or change from a generalized form, or stem cell, into specialized forms intended for specific tissues, organs, or other body parts. For example, a stem cell may differentiate into a liver cell or a heart muscle cell. Differentiation is the normal process by which cells mature. Cancer cells are less differentiated than normal cells, and they are graded according to the extent of their differentiation. A poorly differentiated cancer is one in which the cells differ greatly from the normal cells found in an organ. Typically, the presence of cancer with poorly differentiated cells indicates a poorer prognosis than does cancer with well-differentiated cells.

The process in embryonic development during which unspecialized cells or tissues become specialized for particular functions.

The gradual diversification of the stem cells of the early embryo into the specialized cells, tissues and organs that go to make up the fully developed organism.

In embryology, the acquiring of individual characteristics. This occurs in progressive diversification of cells of the developing pre-embryo and embryo.

The capacity to preserve one’s individuality within the framework of a familial system, all the while nurturing emotional bonds with other members, is a fundamental aspect of interpersonal dynamics. This delicate balance allows individuals to maintain a sense of self while fostering meaningful relationships within their family unit.

During embryonic development, a remarkable process unfolds wherein the initially indistinguishable cells of the early embryo progressively undergo differentiation, giving rise to the unique tissues and organs of the more advanced embryo. This gradual diversification of cells paves the way for the intricate formation and organization of distinct structures in the developing organism.

The term “differentiation” is also employed in the context of cancer assessment, referring to the extent to which cancerous tissue’s microscopic characteristics resemble those of normal tissue. It serves as a measure of how closely the cancer cells resemble their healthy counterparts in terms of their structural and morphological features.