A 3D cell culture grows biological cells in a spatial arrangement extending through three dimensions, for example as aggregates or within an extracellular matrix. This changes contact geometry, mechanical constraints and access to nutrients relative to a flat monolayer. An epithelial cyst can reveal an enclosed lumen and directional organization that a two-dimensional image misses. Three-dimensional geometry alone does not establish that the culture reproduces every property of its source tissue. [ref]
Animal Cell Culture Guide by ATCC. Culture systems and three-dimensional culture models
An organoid is a three-dimensional cellular model that reproduces selected organized features of a tissue or organ. Its relevance depends on which cell types, architecture and functions it actually preserves, rather than on three-dimensional shape alone.
A cultured three-dimensional intestinal epithelial structure reproducing selected stem-cell and cell differentiation behaviours. Exogenous growth factors and matrix replace important environmental inputs, so successful growth does not demonstrate signal-independent development.
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