The first book of its kind on marrow stromal cells, and written by leading experts in the field, this concise handbook aims to provide all that is needed to those involved in this relatively young area of research. The book provides a historical perspective and a summary of present knowledge of the marrow stromal lineages that are currently best understood. The contributors provide detailed protocols for the isolation, culture, and characterization of marrow stromal cell types from human and other animal species. The breadth and depth of the subject matter included makes the book equally suitable for new researchers and the more experienced investigator in this rapidly expanding field.