Which prefix refers to the kidney?

The prefix that refers to the kidney is "nephro-." This prefix is derived from the Greek word "nephros," which directly translates to "kidney." It is commonly used in medical terminology related to renal health, conditions, and treatments. For instance, terms such as "nephrology" (the branch of medicine that deals with kidney care) and "nephrectomy" (surgical removal of a kidney) utilize this prefix to indicate their connection to kidney health or functions. Understanding this prefix is essential for anyone studying medical terminology, particularly in fields related to healthcare and transcribing healthcare documentation.

In contrast, "hepato-" pertains to the liver, "pneumo-" is associated with the lungs or air, and "gastro-" refers to the stomach. Each of these prefixes indicates different organs and systems within the body, emphasizing the specificity of "nephro-" for kidney-related terms.