What does the root "tom/o" refer to in medical terminology?

The root "tom/o" in medical terminology comes from the Greek word "temnein," which means "to cut." This root is commonly used in various medical terms to indicate a cutting or division process. For instance, in the term "anatomy," "tom/o" indicates the cutting of the body to understand its structure. Similarly, in the term "laparotomy," it refers to the surgical procedure that involves cutting into the abdomen. Understanding this root is essential for interpreting terms related to surgical interventions and any process involving cutting or division within the medical context.