What does the term 'in vitro' refer to?

The term 'in vitro' refers to a process conducted outside the body, typically in a lab setting. This method allows researchers to study biological processes in a controlled environment, often using cells or tissues that are isolated from their natural context within an organism. It is widely used in various fields, including medical research and diagnostics, as it enables precise manipulation of conditions and variables to observe specific reactions or behaviors.

In contrast, processes that occur inside a living organism would be described as 'in vivo,' capturing the complexities and interactions that happen naturally within the body. Observational methods focused on natural behaviors do not meet the specific criteria of 'in vitro,' which emphasizes laboratory conditions rather than direct observation of organisms. Lastly, imaging techniques for soft tissues pertain to diagnostic methods rather than any particular experimental setup outside of living systems, which again sets them apart from the concept of 'in vitro.'