What is the term for a sample of microorganisms or tissue cells taken from an area of the body for examination?

The correct term for a sample of microorganisms or tissue cells taken from an area of the body for examination is "specimen." In a medical context, a specimen refers specifically to any biological material collected for diagnostic evaluation. This includes samples of tissues, cells, or fluids (such as blood or urine) that are sent to a laboratory for further analysis.

While a culture refers to growing microorganisms from a specimen to identify pathogens, and a biopsy is a specific type of specimen collection involving the removal of tissue for examination, the general term for any collected sample for testing is "specimen." The term "sample" is more generic and can refer to any portion taken from a larger quantity but does not specifically denote the medical context often implied by "specimen." Thus, in the context of examining microorganisms or tissue cells, "specimen" is the most accurate term.