ileo-

Ileo- is a combining form used like a prefix representing the word ileum, the third and lowest division of the small intestine. It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy and pathology.

Ileo- ultimately comes from the Latin īlia, meaning “side of the body between hips and groin; guts.”

What are variants of ileo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, ileo- becomes ile-, as in ileectomy.

One example of a medical term that features the combining form ileo- is ileotomy, meaning “incision into the ileum.”

The combining form ileo- means “ileum,” as we have seen. The second part of the word, -tomy, means “cutting, incision.” Ileotomy literally translates to “ileum incision.”

What are some words that use the combining form ileo-?

• ileocecal
• ileocolic
• ileocolitis
• ileocolostomy
• ileojejunitis
• ileopexy
• ileorrhaphy
• ileosigmoidostomy
• ileostomy

What are some other forms that ileo- may be commonly confused with?

• idio-
• ilio-

The combining form -stomy refers to artificial openings surgeons make into the body. What part of the body does an ileostomy involve a surgical opening of?