Definition of Autotransplantation

Autotransplantation: The process of transplanting tissue from one part of the body to another in the same individual. The transplanted tissue is termed an autotransplant or an autograft. Ovarian autotransplantation has been done to the upper arm to protect the ovary while the patient had radiotherapy to the abdomen.

A parathyroid gland (usually there are four) can be autotransplanted into a forearm muscle if suspected of inadequate blood supply remaining as noted during a surgical procedure in the anterior neck.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=40487
Last Editorial Review: 9/20/2012