In medical terminology, "steth/o" refers to which part of the body?

The root "steth/o" is derived from the Greek word "stethos," which means "chest." In medical terminology, it is primarily used in terms related to the chest area, such as "stethoscope," an instrument used by healthcare professionals to listen to internal body sounds, particularly in the heart and lungs. Thus, when evaluating the choices provided, the connection of "steth/o" to the chest is clear and appropriate. The other options refer to different body parts: the spleen is an organ involved in immune function, the spine is part of the vertebral column, and the sternum is a specific bone in the chest area. However, the term itself specifically designates the broader region, which is why "chest" is the correct interpretation of "steth/o."