Ex vivo, which is Latin for "out of the living", is a term used to describe experiments or procedures that are conducted outside of a living organism. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ɛks ˈviːvoʊ/, with the first syllable pronounced like "eks" and the second like "vee-voh". The spelling of ex vivo follows the typical English pronunciation rules, with the "x" representing the /ks/ sound and the "v" representing the /v/ sound, while the stress falls on the second syllable.
Ex vivo is a Latin term that translates to "out of the living." It is used in the field of biological sciences and medicine to describe experiments or techniques performed outside the living organism or in an artificial environment, as opposed to in vivo, which means "within the living."
Ex vivo experiments involve the removal of cells, tissues, or organs from an organism and studying them under controlled laboratory conditions. This allows researchers to manipulate and observe these biological samples, providing insights and understanding of their functioning without subjecting the organism to invasive procedures. Ex vivo techniques are commonly used for various purposes, including medical research, drug development, and transplantation.
In ex vivo studies, cells, tissues, or organs are carefully isolated and placed in an environment that closely mimics their natural conditions, often with the addition of specific nutrients or growth factors. This can be achieved through the use of cell cultures, tissue slices, or even whole organs maintained in artificial systems or bioreactors. By studying these samples ex vivo, scientists can investigate cellular behavior, mechanisms of disease, drug efficacy, and perform various biochemical or molecular analyses.
Ex vivo techniques have proven valuable in advancing knowledge and understanding of biological processes, as they provide controlled conditions that allow for detailed examination and manipulation of biological samples. They serve as an important bridge between in vivo studies (performed within a living organism) and in vitro studies (conducted in a controlled laboratory environment but outside a living organism), contributing to advancements in medicine and other related fields.
The word ex vivo is derived from Latin roots.
The Latin word ex means out of or from, and the Latin word vivo means I live. In the context of biological sciences and medicine, ex vivo refers to procedures or experiments conducted outside the living organism, typically on tissues or cells that have been removed from the body. It is often contrasted with in vivo, which means within the living organism.