Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Refers to any part of an organism's body that is still alive, containing functioning cells and biological processes. In neuroscience, it refers to brain tissue or any other living nervous system tissue being studied.
Related terms
Organoids: Miniature versions of organs grown in labs using stem cells for research purposes, allowing scientists to study living tissue outside the body.
Histology: The study of microscopic anatomy and tissues' structure under a microscope.
Neurodegenerative diseases: Conditions characterized by progressive damage or death of nerve cells in the brain or spinal cord, leading to functional impairments. Examples include Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.