What is the meaning of the combining form “splen/o”?

The combining form “splen/o” refers specifically to the spleen. In medical terminology, combining forms are often used to construct terms related to specific organs or systems in the body. The root "splen" derives from the Greek word for spleen, and adding the combining vowel "o" allows it to be connected to other terms, such as "splenomegaly" (enlargement of the spleen) or "splenectomy" (surgical removal of the spleen). Understanding these combining forms is essential in the medical field, as they help in accurately describing conditions, procedures, and anatomical structures related to the spleen.