Smooth Muscle Cell Function Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are specialized cells found especially in hollow organs with contractile function like the arteries and bladder. Contraction and relaxation of SMCs regulates…
The Excretory System and Diabetes The excretory system consists of the kidneys and urinary tract, which together, filter and eliminate waste from the body. As blood circulates throughout the body,…
Endothelial Cells and Peripheral Arterial Disease Endothelial cells comprise the innermost later of blood vessels, forming a barrier between the circulating blood and the tissues of the body. In particular,…
The Female Reproductive System The female reproductive system produces the female gametes, or germ cells, called eggs. Once fertilized by a sperm cell, the male gamete, the resultant zygote develops…
Bladder Anatomy and Function The bladder is responsible for collecting and storing the urine produced by the kidneys until it is voided from the body during urination. The inner epithelial…
The prostate is a walnut-shaped male organ responsible for secreting prostatic fluid, which is an important component of seminal fluid. This year, the American Cancer Society estimates that 31,620 men…
Multipotent, Pluripotent, and Totipotent Stem Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have two characteristics: they give rise to different mature cell types and have…
Keratinocytes: The Key Supporter of the Skin Barrier Keratinocytes are the most common cell type of the skin. They are present in the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of…
Endothelial Cells and the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Endothelial cells line the vessels of the circulatory system and provide important support for vessel homeostasis, wound repair, and the inflammatory response. The…
Lifeline® Products in Research Studies in First Half of 2019 It’s that time again! Time for our mid-year review, where we look back on the last six months and review…
Small Airway Epithelial Cells The airway is lined by a layer of epithelial cells with multiple functions. In addition to providing a protective barrier function, the airway epithelium also secretes…
Function and Differentiation of Keratinocytes Keratinocytes make up the majority of cells in the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. The progenitor cells that give rise to keratinocytes are…
Melanoma: Causes and Prevention Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, the pigmented cell type of the skin found in the outer layer of the skin…
Structure and Remodeling of the Endometrium The uterus is lined by a specialized tissue called the endometrium, which is composed of a layer of epithelial cells and underlying stromal cells.…
Fibroblast Function in Connective Tissue Fibroblasts are the most common cell type found in connective tissue throughout the body. Their main role is to produce the extracellular matrix and collagen…
Endothelial Cells and Maintenance of Barrier Integrity Endothelial cells form the innermost layer of the blood vessels and mediate important interactions with the blood. The endothelial layer is a monolayer…
Lifeline® Renal and Bladder Cells as Normal Tissue Controls Cancer treatments are designed to selectively target cancer cells, while sparing the normal cells of the body. To design drugs with…
Stem cells are specialized cell types characterized by two properties: self-renewal and the ability to give rise to, or differentiate into, multiple cell types. Totipotent stem cells are located only…
Anatomy of the Skin, the Body’s Largest Organ The skin is the largest organ in the human body and is the largest area in contact with the external environment. In…
Lung and Airway Cells: First-Line Barriers to the Outside World Breathing air is something we do without thinking. But while we go about our day, our respiratory systems are hard…
