Final answer:
The root 'ile' in ileostomy refers to the ileum, the last portion of the small intestine responsible for nutrient absorption and where an ileostomy surgically creates an opening for waste elimination from the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the term ileostomy, the root ile refers to the ileum, which is the third and final part of the small intestine. The ileum is significant in that it is responsible for the absorption of vitamin B12, bile salts, and other remaining nutrients not absorbed in the jejunum. An ileostomy may be performed when a part of the digestive system needs to bypass the large intestine due to disease or injury. In this procedure, the distal ileum is brought through the abdominal wall, allowing the collection of waste in a bag-like appliance. This is an important surgical procedure for patients who cannot pass waste through the colon, as it allows the undigested food and chyme to exit the body directly from the ileum.