What does the medical suffix "-scopy" indicate?

The suffix "-scopy" is derived from the Greek word "skopein," which means "to look" or "to examine." In medical terminology, this suffix specifically indicates the process of visual examination of a body cavity or organ using a specialized instrument, known as a scope. For example, a bronchoscopy involves the visual examination of the air passages in the lungs using a bronchoscope. This term is widely used in various medical procedures where direct visualization is necessary for diagnosis or treatment.

In contrast, the other options represent different medical processes: "the process of cutting" relates to the suffix "-tomy," which indicates incision or surgical cutting; "the process of repairing" corresponds to the suffix "-plasty," referring to surgical repair or reconstruction; and "the process of recording" is related to the suffix "-graphy," which refers to the process of making a record, often through imaging techniques. Understanding these distinctions can help clarify the role of various medical terms in relation to specific procedures and examinations.