What does "-graphy" symbolize in medical terminology?

In medical terminology, the suffix "-graphy" refers to the process of recording or writing. This is often associated with various imaging techniques where visual representations of internal structures or functions are produced, such as in radiography, which records images of bones and tissues using X-rays. The use of "-graphy" indicates that a process of capturing or documenting information is involved, typically through some form of imaging or diagnostic procedure.

Options that suggest study or examination, physical examination, or type of imaging do not capture the specific meaning of "-graphy," which is centered on the act of recording itself rather than just the act of studying, examining a patient, or the imaging technology itself. Understanding this suffix allows for better comprehension of a wide range of medical terms that include it, enhancing one’s proficiency in medical vocabulary.