Which cell type is known to undergo facultative regeneration?

The liver is the cell type that is known for facultative regeneration.

Facultative regeneration refers to the ability of certain tissues to regenerate under specific conditions, suggesting a potential for recovery and repair following injury or loss. In the case of the liver, it has a remarkable capacity for regeneration, which can be activated in response to damage, such as from toxins or surgical resection. In a healthy state, the liver maintains a balance and does not require extensive regeneration, but it can proliferate hepatocytes (liver cells) when necessary.

By contrast, while blood does regenerate continuously through hematopoiesis, it is not classified as facultative regeneration; rather, it undergoes a regular and constant process of renewal. The heart primarily has limited regenerative capacity, usually relying on scar formation rather than true regeneration. The intestine is known for its high turnover rate and continuous regenerative processes but does not typically display facultative regeneration akin to the liver's response to more severe injuries. Therefore, while blood, heart, and intestine can regenerate, their mechanisms and conditions for regeneration differ from the liver's facultative regeneration process.