What is Autologous?

Autologous refers to something that is derived from the same individual or source as the material being studied. In other words, it is self-derived or self-contained.
In the context of medicine and biology, autologous refers to the use of cells, tissues, or organs from the same individual as the one being treated. For example, an autologous bone marrow transplant involves using the patient's own bone marrow cells to replace damaged or diseased cells in their body.
Autologous is often contrasted with allogenic, which refers to the use of cells, tissues, or organs from a different individual (a donor). Allogenic transplants can be risky because the recipient's immune system may reject the donated cells or tissues. Autologous transplants are generally considered safer because the patient's own cells are being used, so there is less risk of rejection.