Which combining form refers to the liver?

The combining form that refers to the liver is "hepato/o." This term originates from the Greek word "hepar," which means liver. In veterinary medicine and anatomy, "hepato/o" is commonly used in various terms related to liver function, liver diseases, and liver anatomy, such as hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) or hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver).

The other terms provided represent different organs or systems in the body: "ren/o" refers to the kidneys, "gastro/o" pertains to the stomach and digestive system, and "oste/o" relates to bone. Therefore, "hepato/o" is distinct and specific to the liver, making it the correct choice in this context. Understanding these combining forms is essential for veterinary assistants to accurately interpret medical terminology related to animal health.