What does "cholecyst-" refer to in medical terms?

The term "cholecyst-" specifically refers to the gallbladder in medical terminology. It is derived from Greek roots where "chole" means bile and "cyst" means bladder or sac. Therefore, when combined, "cholecyst-" effectively identifies the organ that stores bile produced by the liver, which is the gallbladder. This prefix is often used in various medical contexts, such as cholecystectomy, which refers to the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Understanding this term is crucial for recognizing conditions and procedures related to the gallbladder in medical settings.