The combining form or term that literally means “internal organs” is:
A viscer/o-
B chole/docho-
C cardi/o-
D an/cone-
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is A: viscer/o-.
Explanation:
The combining form or term that literally means “internal organs” is viscer/o-. This term is derived from the Latin word “viscera,” which refers to the internal organs, especially those found in the abdominal cavity such as the stomach, liver, intestines, and spleen. The prefix “viscer/o-” is commonly used in medical terminology to denote anything related to the internal organs, particularly those within the abdominal region. For instance, the term “visceromegaly” refers to the abnormal enlargement of the internal organs.
Now, let’s look at why the other options are not correct:
- B: chole/docho- refers to bile or the bile duct system. “Chole” comes from the Greek word “chole,” meaning bile, and “docho” refers to a duct. This combining form is used in terms like “choledochitis,” which means inflammation of the bile duct, or “choledochotomy,” which refers to a surgical incision into the bile duct.
- C: cardi/o- refers to the heart. “Cardi” is derived from the Greek word “kardia,” which means heart. This combining form is used in medical terms like “cardiology” (the study of the heart) or “cardiomyopathy” (disease of the heart muscle).
- D: an/cone- is not a standard medical combining form. There may be a misunderstanding or typographical error in this option. It doesn’t correspond to any known combining form related to internal organs or other body parts.
In summary, viscer/o- is the correct combining form for internal organs, and it is used to describe conditions, diseases, or procedures involving the body’s internal organs, particularly those in the abdominal area. This form is central to understanding various medical terms related to organ function and pathology.