Which type of cell is capable of dividing continually in the human body?

Stem cells are unique in their ability to divide continually and can develop into a variety of specialized cell types. This continuous division allows them to replenish tissues and maintain homeostasis in the body. Stem cells can be found in various locations, such as bone marrow and embryonic tissue, and they play a crucial role in growth, development, and tissue repair.

In contrast, somatic cells, which comprise most of the body’s tissues and organs, typically undergo a limited number of divisions before they enter a state of senescence or programmed cell death. Muscle cells and nerve cells, once fully differentiated, generally do not divide. Muscle cells can adapt in size and strength but are not capable of continual division, while nerve cells are largely post-mitotic, meaning they do not divide after reaching maturity. Thus, stem cells are essential for regeneration and repair, making them the correct choice in this context.