What does the root "gastro-" refer to in medical terminology?

In medical terminology, the root "gastro-" is derived from the Greek word for stomach. It is commonly used as a prefix in various terms related to the stomach and digestive system. For instance, "gastroenterology" refers to the branch of medicine focused on the stomach and intestines, highlighting the significance of the root in identifying organs and conditions associated with digestion. Understanding roots in medical terminology is fundamental, as they provide essential context for the meanings of complex words used in healthcare and medical documentation.