What organ is indicated by the prefix CHOLECYST/O?

What organ is indicated by the prefix CHOLECYST/O?

• A. Gallbladder
• B. Stomach
• C. Intestine
• D. Pancreas

Answer: (A)

Combining forms in medical terminology point to a specific organ by linking word parts that describe it. CHOLECYST/O breaks down into chole- (bile) and cyst/o (bladder or sac), which together designate the gallbladder—the sac that stores bile produced by the liver. Bile helps digest fats, and the gallbladder’s role is to store and concentrate it until needed. Other organs use different combining forms: gastr/o refers to the stomach, enter/o to the intestines, and pancreat/o to the pancreas. Because CHOLECYST/O specifically refers to the gallbladder, it identifies that organ.

Combining forms in medical terminology point to a specific organ by linking word parts that describe it. CHOLECYST/O breaks down into chole- (bile) and cyst/o (bladder or sac), which together designate the gallbladder—the sac that stores bile produced by the liver. Bile helps digest fats, and the gallbladder’s role is to store and concentrate it until needed.

Other organs use different combining forms: gastr/o refers to the stomach, enter/o to the intestines, and pancreat/o to the pancreas. Because CHOLECYST/O specifically refers to the gallbladder, it identifies that organ.