splanchno-

Splanchno- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “viscera,” the organs in the cavities of the body, especially in the abdomen, like the intestines. Splanchno- is used in some medical terms, especially in anatomy and pathology.

Splanchno- comes from the Greek splánchna, meaning “entrails.”

What are variants of splanchno-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, splanchno- becomes splanchn-, as in splanchnapophysis.

One example of a medical term that features the combining form splanchno- is splanchnopathy, “disease of the abdominal viscera.”

We know already that splanchno- means “viscera.” But what about –pathy? This form may also look familiar: it means “disease.” Splanchnopathy literally translates to “viscera disease.”

What are some words that use the combining form splanchno- or splanchn-?

• splanchnocele
• splanchnolith
• splanchnotribe
• splanchnectopia
• splanchnomegaly

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

• plano-
• spleno-
• sporo-
• spondylo-

The combining form -lith means “stone,” used in medicine for a hard, solid mass that develops in the body. In what general part of the body does a splanchnolith form?