What is the meaning of the suffix '-gram' in medical terms?

The suffix '-gram' in medical terminology refers to a record or an image. This is commonly seen in various medical contexts, where it indicates that a visual representation or documented record of some type of physiological or anatomical feature has been created. For example, a "cardiogram" is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart, and a "mammogram" is an X-ray picture of the breast. Understanding this suffix is crucial for correctly interpreting many medical terms that involve imaging or diagnostic records, as it signifies the output of a process that captures important health data visually or in written form.