3D cell culture

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 differentiation behaviours. Exogenous growth factors and matrix replace important environmental inputs, so successful growth does not demonstrate signal-independent development.

A tumour spheroid is a three-dimensional aggregate of tumour cells used to study growth, transport and interactions with surrounding material. It need not reproduce the organized cellular diversity of an organoid.