Final answer:
The stem 'hepato' in the word hepatitis means 'liver'. Hepatitis indicates inflammation of the liver, primarily caused by viral infections, among other causes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stem 'hepato' in the word hepatitis refers to the liver. When discussing hepatitis, we're referring to the condition characterized by the inflammation of the liver. This inflammation can be caused by various factors, however, the most common are viral infections. The five main clinically significant hepatitis viruses are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Other causes can include certain poisons, autoimmune disorders, and hereditary conditions. In the name 'hepatitis', 'hepato' signifies liver and 'itis' stands for inflammation.