What does the root "Hepato" refer to in medical terminology?

The root "Hepato" in medical terminology specifically refers to the liver. This prefix is derived from the Greek word "hepar," which directly translates to liver. In a variety of medical terms, such as "hepatitis" (inflammation of the liver) and "hepatomegaly" (enlargement of the liver), the use of "hepato" indicates that the term pertains to liver function, diseases, or anatomy. Understanding this root is crucial in the medical field, as it helps in combining with other prefixes or suffixes to describe conditions and procedures related to the liver.