What does the suffix -graph refer to in a medical context?

In a medical context, the suffix -graph refers to the act of recording or taking a record. This can relate to various medical imaging techniques or diagnostic tools that capture data about the body’s structure or function. For instance, when a procedure is described with this suffix, it typically indicates that the results are being documented in some way, such as in an X-ray (radiograph) or an electrocardiogram (ECG), which records electrical activity of the heart.

Understanding this term helps in navigating medical terminology, as it is commonly found in related contexts where data or results are being systematically documented. The other possible meanings—such as diagnosing, treating, or examining—do not align with the function of recording that the suffix -graph denotes.