What does the prefix 'scopy' suggest in a medical context?

The prefix 'scopy' in a medical context indicates the act of observation or examination, often involving the use of instruments to visually inspect the interior of bodily structures. For instance, terms like "endoscopy" refer to the examination of the interior of a bodily organ through the use of an endoscope. This prefix derives from the Greek word "skopein," which means "to look at" or "to examine." Therefore, any medical procedure that involves looking into the body for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes will typically include 'scopy' in its name, reinforcing the notion of observation or assessment as a crucial component of medical practice.