Which term refers to the removal of living tissue from the body for diagnostic examination?

• A. Edema
• B. Biopsy
• C. Punch biopsy
• D. Tissue pathology

Answer: (B)

Biopsy is the act of removing living tissue from the body for diagnostic examination. By sampling tissue, clinicians can examine cells and structure under a microscope to identify disease, cancer, infection, or other conditions. Edema describes swelling from fluid buildup and isn’t about removing tissue. A punch biopsy is just one method of performing a biopsy using a circular blade to take a small core, so it’s a specific technique within the broader concept. Tissue pathology refers to the study and diagnosis of tissue after it has been collected, not the procedure itself. So the term that describes removing living tissue for diagnostic purposes is biopsy.