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

The suffix -ology in a medical context refers to the study of a subject. This is commonly used in many medical and scientific terms to indicate a field of study or branch of knowledge. For example, "biology" is the study of life, and "cardiology" is the study of the heart. Understanding this suffix helps in grasping various medical specialties and disciplines, which is essential for effective communication within the healthcare field. Recognizing that -ology indicates a focus on study allows medical assistants and other professionals to navigate medical terminology more effectively.