What is a xenograft?

A xenograft refers specifically to a transplant that is taken from one species and implanted into another species. This term is derived from the Greek prefix "xeno," meaning foreign or different. In the medical field, xenografts are often used in scenarios where there is a shortage of donor organs from the same species or where certain biological compatibility is required for a medical procedure.

For example, pig valves can be used in human heart surgery, and certain skin grafts can be taken from other animal species for wound healing purposes. This practice helps to address the challenges of organ and tissue availability, making xenografts a valuable option in transplantation medicine.

The other options do not accurately define a xenograft. Transplants from the same species would be classified as allografts, while those from artificial sources would not involve biological tissue at all and therefore wouldn't be considered xenografts.