Neural stem cells (NSCs) are defined as undifferentiated cells that are able to self-renew as well as generate the three major types of cells that constitute the central nervous system (CNS): neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes (pluripotency).

• 神经干细胞(neural stem cells，NSCs)是指未分化的神经细胞，它应该具有自我更新能力，并能产生组成中枢神经系统的三种主要细胞：神经元、星形胶质细胞及少突胶质细胞，亦即具有多分化潜能。