What is the meaning of the suffix '-scopy'?

The suffix '-scopy' originates from the Greek word 'skopein,' which means 'to look' or 'to observe.' In medical terminology, this suffix is used to describe a procedure that involves visual examination, often with the aid of a specialized instrument. For instance, procedures like endoscopy, where a camera is inserted into the body to visualize the interior of organs, or colonoscopy, where the interior of the colon is examined, exemplify the use of this suffix to indicate examination.

While other suffixes in medical terminology pertain to different actions—such as '-metry' for measurement, '-gnosis' for diagnosis, and '-therapy' for treatment—the primary focus of '-scopy' is indeed on the act of examining or observing. This makes the understanding of '-scopy' essential for comprehending various medical procedures that revolve around direct observation and diagnosis of conditions within the body.