Cell populations enriched for human myogenic progenitors are obtained by selection on the basis of expression of specific cell surface markers. The muscle progenitor cells are characterized as being CD45−, Mac-1−, GlycophorinA−, CD31− and CD34−, ITGA7hi and CD56 intermediate and methods of use thereof. Methods are provided for the separation and characterization of human myogenic cells, which are precursor cells having the ability to form muscle. The cells are identified and isolated from cells found within the pool of muscle satellite cells, located beneath the basal lamina of mature muscle fibers in the muscle tissue.
