Vivisection

Vivisection originally meant the dissection of a live animal, usually for the purpose of teaching or research. Historically, the word came also to mean the use of a live animal in any experiment. Vivisection, especially in its broader meaning, is a time-tested tool that has helped humans understand how the bodies of animals function, how disease alters that function, and how such diseases can be treated. However, changing attitudes toward animals and a more cynical outlook toward the biomedical enterprise have caused some people to question the continued usefulness and morality of using animals for this purpose.