ile-, ileo-
(Greek > Latin: groin, flank, lower part of the body; gut, bowels, abdomen, loins)
A combining form that denotes the ileum or the lower section of the small intestine.
From Greek eileos, verbal of eilein, to roll or twist up tightly; once used interchangeably with ilium, but later referred to the entire intestine; the last division of the small intestine.
The word ileum is derived from the Greek eileos, "twisted". This is appropriate because, when the small intestine is viewed during surgery or at an autopsy (or exposed by a wound), it looks twisted.
It is also applicable because, when the small intestine is obstructed, the ileum is more often the site of the twist which is causing the obstruction.
This ileum should not be confused with the ilium which refers to the "upper part of the pelvis" that forms the receptacle for the head of the femur at the hip joint.