What does the combining form 'cran/o' signify?

The combining form 'cran/o' signifies the skull. In medical terminology, 'cranio-' originates from the Greek word 'kranion,' which means skull. This form is commonly used in various terms related to the cranial area, such as 'craniotomy' (a surgical procedure involving the opening of the skull) and 'craniosynostosis' (a condition where the sutures in a baby’s skull close prematurely). Understanding this combining form is essential for recognizing and interpreting medical terms associated with the head and brain, making it a fundamental concept in the study of medical terminology.