Cultured cells refer to cells that have been removed from their original organism and are grown and maintained in a laboratory setting. This is typically done in a sterile environment using a nutrient-rich media to provide the cells with essential nutrients for growth and proliferation. Cultured cells are often used in research studies to investigate various biological processes, study disease mechanisms, test the efficacy of drugs, and develop new therapies. Cultured cells allow researchers to manipulate and study cells outside of their normal physiological context, providing valuable insights into cellular function and behavior.