What is the root term used for liver in medical terminology?

The root term used for liver in medical terminology is "hepat/o." This term originates from the Greek word "hepar," which means liver. It is widely used in various medical contexts to refer to conditions, processes, or anatomy related to the liver, such as hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) or hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver). Recognizing root terms like "hepat/o" is essential for understanding medical language, as they provide the foundational meaning around which other medical terms are constructed.

The other options, while related to different structures or functions, do not serve as the correct root term for the liver. "Cholecyst/o" pertains to the gallbladder, "hepat/i" is not a standard medical root term and is not commonly used, and "liver/o" is not recognized in medical terminology. Understanding these distinctions aids in grasping medical vocabulary effectively.