Final answer:
Viable cells in an amnion product can include different types of stem cells found in amniotic fluid, capable of differentiating into various cell types and not typically eliciting a strong immune response due to their immune privileged status.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an amnion product contains viable cells, these could be various types of stem cells that are found within the amniotic fluid. These cells are remarkable because they have the ability to differentiate into different cell types such as brain, liver, and bone cells. What makes amniotic stem cells exceptionally valuable is that they do not elicit a strong immune response, which is often a major concern with cell therapies and transplants. This is partly because the cells are immune privileged and may be more compatible with the recipient's immune system.
In the context of prenatal development, the amnion is a membrane that surrounds the embryo and is filled with amniotic fluid that protects the embryo. This fluid, originally a filtrate of maternal plasma, contains fetal cells after embryonic development starts, particularly after the kidneys of the fetus begin to function.