Final answer:
The combining form 'encephala/o' pertains to the brain and is used in medical terminology to describe conditions or concepts related to the brain, such as encephalitis and encephalization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The combining form encephala/o refers to the brain, derived from the Greek words en, meaning 'inside', and kephalon, meaning 'head'. This root is used in various medical terms related to the brain. For example, encephalitis is an infection of the brain that causes swelling and can lead to severe complications. This inflammation causes the brain to push against the skull, potentially leading to brain damage or even death. Another term that uses this root is encephalization, which refers to the evolutionary increase in brain size relative to body size in certain animal species, including humans. This phenomenon is significant in the study of human evolution and relates to the cognitive and cultural developments of early hominin species.