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The word [somatic] traces its origins to the Greek word [σώμα] (soma) meaning “body” and [σωμαkwς] (somatikos) meaning “of the body”, “bodily”, or “physically”. Combining the root term [-soma-] with the adjectival suffix [–tic], meaning “pertaining to”, gives the word [somatic], meaning “pertaining to the body”. Combining the root term [-psych] with the root term [-soma-]”,and adding the suffix [–tic], meaning “pertaining to”, gives us the medical word [psychosomatic] that means “pertaining to the mind and body”.
This term has become commonplace in scientific and medical literature, especially in cellular medicine describing stem cells, and at other times the word is appended with a prefix or suffix and used in another capacity. Often overlooked, because of the words it precedes (e.g., somatic stem cells), the word somatic is an important qualifier and adjective in defining a type of cell, or anything pertaining to the body for that matter. Thus, we examine the origins of this word, and why understanding it’s meaning can serve to as a critical adjective in cellular medicine.
Important to note, is that included in this word origins, is the designation that the root term [-soma-] is specific to the body and is distinct from the soul, mind, or spirit. Therein lies the rub, when talking about somatic stem cells, or somatic cells in general. It is imperative to recognize that when using the term somatic, to describe stem cells, scientists and clinicians are talking about cells derived from the body, otherwise considered adult tissue. The NIH gives the definition of a somatic stem cell as:
Somatic (adult) stem cells—A relatively rare undifferentiated cell found in many organs and differentiated tissues with a limited capacity for both self renewal (in the laboratory) and differentiation. Such cells vary in their differentiation capacity, but it is usually limited to cell types in the organ of origin. This is an active area of investigation.
By definition these cells are not germline cells, or embryonic cells, but cells residing in adult tissue and organs with varying capacities for differentiation such as the mesenchymal cells shown in the accompanying image. Thus, a somatic cell can describe anything from a stem cell residing within your kidneys or bone marrow. Research and therapies directed at and utilizing somatic stem cells, do not involve the destruction of an embryo. In fact, there is active research aimed at utilizing one’s own biopsied tissue to create personalized somatic cell therapies, which brings us full circle to the meaning of the word somatic: “pertaining to (and derived from) the body”.
Advances in science and medicine have led to the development of new understandings of the mechanisms that underlie disease, as well as new treatment strategies. With these advances come litanies of new terms that can often lead to confusion and in some cases, contention. One of these ever advancing areas is the rapidly changing field of stem cell science. As our understanding of “stem” cells changes almost daily, consequently, so must our vocabularies. Failure to do so can often lead to misunderstandings in science, medicine, politics, and even religion.
Article contributed by Dr. O’Garcia, a somatic stem cell researcher and medical writer.
Sources:
1. Online etymology dictionary, www.etymonline.com
2. MyEtymology.com www.MyEtymology.com
3. NIH Stem Cell Basics. http://stemcells.nih.gov/Pages/Default.aspx
Note: The links to Google Translate in these articles include an icon that will allow you to hear the Greek or Latin pronunciation of the word.