What does autografts refer to?

Autografts refer to the surgical procedure where tissue is transplanted from one site to another within the same individual. This technique utilizes the patient's own tissue, which helps minimize the risk of rejection and complications associated with foreign tissue. Autografts are commonly used in various medical procedures, including skin grafts for burn patients, ligament repair, and reconstructive surgeries.

In contrast, using donor tissue refers to allografts, artificial materials pertain to synthetic grafts, and cadaver tissue corresponds to xenografts, where tissues are sourced from deceased donors. These alternatives carry a greater risk of immune response and complications compared to autografts, making the latter a more favorable option when available.