Potency refers to the inherent capacity for growth and development.
Stem cells have potency. Like anything that has growth potential there are various outcomes.
Multipotent stem cells have the potential to give rise to multiple cells within a specific family. For example, blood stem cells can develop into white blood cells, red blood cells and other type of blood cells but it cannot develop into liver or heart cells.
Pluripotent stem cells have more opportunities. They can more develop into multiple cells within different families. Pluripotent stem cells can create all cell types except egg and sperm.
Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent. They can develop into cartilage, bone and ligament. Mesenchymal stem cells, utilizing the Regenexx procedure, offer an non-surgical option for the treatment of various orthopedic disorders which include loss of cartilage in the knee and hip, non-healing fractures and repair of lumbar disc protrusions.