Which term describes the examination of tissue from a living organism?

The term that describes the examination of tissue from a living organism is biopsy. A biopsy involves the extraction of cells or tissues for diagnostic purposes, allowing healthcare professionals to examine them under a microscope to identify abnormalities, diseases, or conditions such as cancer. This procedure is significant because it provides critical insights into a patient’s health while they are still alive, enabling timely and potentially life-saving interventions.

The other terms relate to different contexts or procedures: an autopsy refers to the examination of a body after death, primarily to determine the cause of death. Incision denotes a cut made in the skin or tissue during a surgical procedure, while excursion generally refers to a journey or trip, and does not apply in a medical context for tissue examination. This emphasizes the unique role of a biopsy in medicine and patient care.