in vitro

As in vitro ( Latin for ' in glass ' ) refers to organic processes that take place outside of a living organism, as opposed to those that take place in the living organism (in vivo). In natural science refers to in vitro experiments, which are performed in a controlled artificial environment outside a living organism, such as in a test tube. Examples include in vitro fertilization ( IVF) and in vitro diagnostic ( IVD).

In vitro studies

Biological and medical in vitro experiments can be better controlled than in vivo, for example, conditions can be more easily and influence individually. However, the above findings can not be applied to the processes in the living organism readily. Therefore, they are checked as a rule with another series of experiments in vivo.