What is referred to as the object being studied, often placed under a microscope?

The term "specimen" refers specifically to the object being studied in a scientific context, especially in microscopy. A specimen is any individual sample or unit of study that can be examined to gather information about its structure or function. When you place a specimen under a microscope, you are typically looking closely at its cellular structure, function, or other characteristics to analyze it in detail.

In microscopy, the specimen is typically prepared on a slide, but the slide itself is not the object of study; it merely serves as a platform for the specimen. An image refers to the visual representation produced by the microscope, which is derived from observing the specimen but does not encompass the object itself. Preparation usually refers to the method of getting the specimen ready for examination, such as slicing or staining, rather than the specimen itself. This understanding emphasizes the importance of recognizing the specimen as the core focus for biological studies, particularly in cellular biology.