In medical vocabulary, what does "encephal" relate to?

The term "encephal" is derived from the Greek word "enkephalos," which specifically refers to the brain. In medical terminology, it is often used as a prefix to denote conditions, diseases, or activities that pertain to the brain. For instance, terms like "encephalitis," which means inflammation of the brain, or "encephalopathy," which refers to any disease of the brain, prominently feature this root word. Understanding these prefixes and their meanings is essential for accurately interpreting medical language and communicating effectively within the healthcare field.