Summary of general stem cell terminology frequently used among selected articles.
| Term | Distinctions |
| Amniotic membrane epithelial cells | These are cells that can be derived from the inner lining of the placenta after birth. As such, there are fewer ethical concerns. |
| Mesenchymal stem cells | These are cells that can be derived from a variety of sources, adult, and embryo, including bone marrow, liver, kidney, muscle, adipose, connective tissue, placenta, and the umbilical cord. |
| Chorion cells | These calls can be derived from the placenta, specifically the yolk sac, which is the outermost fetal membrane surrounding the embryo. |
| Umbilical cord tissue | The umbilical cord contains large amounts of mesenchymal stem cells. These cells are distinct from the stem cells found in umbilical cord blood. |
| Umbilical cord blood | The stem cells are contained in the umbilical cord blood. However, it can be difficult to obtain a unit large enough to be used in an adult. |