What does the prefix "cephal" refer to in medical terminology?

The prefix "cephal" in medical terminology is derived from the Greek word "kephalē," which specifically means "head." This prefix is commonly used in various medical terms to refer to the head or structures associated with the head, such as in "cephalalgia" (headache) or "cephalometric" (measurement of the head). Thus, it directly relates to anything involving the head's anatomy, positioning, or diseases. Understanding this prefix helps in interpreting complex medical language in a more manageable way, associating terms not only with their definitions but also with their anatomical relevance.