Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 2/21/2008

Question
i was wondering what cell lasts the longest in the human body and how long it last? i cant seem to find the answer anywhere on the Internet!

Answer
Dear Amber,

Any cell that's present at the death of a very old human can be said to be a cell that has lasted the longest.  It may not be the original cell.  It may be a daughter cell of an earlier cell that was genetically identical.  But if you think about it, every cell in your body is a descendant of that single, fertilized cell you once were:  the zygote.

So take your pick!  :)

If you mean a cell that lasts the longest *without dividing*, then I am not sure, but think that cells of the central nervous system and the osteocytes inside your bones would be good candidates.  They don't generally reproduce after the organism is an adult, but they remain there (though many gradually die off) until the end of the organism's life.

Hope that helps.

Dana