Anatomy Vocabulary in Spanish for Healthcare Professionals

Here, we’ll explore key anatomy vocabulary and provide practical phrases that healthcare providers can use in clinical settings.

1. General Anatomy Terms

These are foundational terms that cover various parts of the body.

• Cabeza – Head
• Cara – Face
• Cuello – Neck
• Pecho – Chest
• Espalda – Back
• Abdomen – Abdomen
• Brazos – Arms
• Piernas – Legs
• Manos – Hands
• Pies – Feet

2. Skeletal System (Sistema Esquelético)

Knowing skeletal terminology helps when addressing fractures, joint pain, or other skeletal issues.

• Hueso – Bone
• Cráneo – Skull
• Columna vertebral – Spine
• Costillas – Ribs
• Clavícula – Collarbone
• Húmero – Humerus
• Radio – Radius
• Cúbito – Ulna
• Fémur – Femur
• Tibia – Tibia
• Peroné – Fibula
• Articulación – Joint

3. Muscular System (Sistema Muscular)

These terms are helpful when discussing muscle pain, strains, or rehabilitation exercises.

• Músculo – Muscle
• Tendón – Tendon
• Ligamento – Ligament
• Cuádriceps – Quadriceps
• Bíceps – Biceps
• Tríceps – Triceps
• Glúteos – Glutes
• Pectorales – Pectorals
• Abdominales – Abdominals
• Isquiotibiales – Hamstrings
• Pantorrilla – Calf

4. Respiratory System (Sistema Respiratorio)

These terms can be useful for assessing conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or other respiratory concerns.

• Pulmones – Lungs
• Tráquea – Trachea
• Bronquios – Bronchi
• Diafragma – Diaphragm
• Nariz – Nose
• Faringe – Pharynx
• Laringe – Larynx
• Alvéolos – Alveoli

5. Cardiovascular System (Sistema Cardiovascular)

Cardiovascular vocabulary is essential for discussing heart conditions, blood pressure, and circulation.

• Corazón – Heart
• Vena – Vein
• Arteria – Artery
• Capilar – Capillary
• Aorta – Aorta
• Válvula – Valve
• Sangre – Blood
• Frecuencia cardíaca – Heart rate

6. Digestive System (Sistema Digestivo)

For healthcare providers addressing gastrointestinal issues, these terms are key.

• Boca – Mouth
• Esófago – Esophagus
• Estómago – Stomach
• Intestino delgado – Small intestine
• Intestino grueso – Large intestine
• Hígado – Liver
• Páncreas – Pancreas
• Vesícula biliar – Gallbladder
• Recto – Rectum
• Ano – Anus

7. Nervous System (Sistema Nervioso)

Understanding these terms helps in explaining symptoms related to neurological conditions or injuries.

• Cerebro – Brain
• Médula espinal – Spinal cord
• Nervio – Nerve
• Cerebelo – Cerebellum
• Sistema nervioso central – Central nervous system
• Sistema nervioso periférico – Peripheral nervous system

8. Urinary System (Sistema Urinario)

These terms assist in discussions about urinary health, kidney function, and related conditions.

• Riñón – Kidney
• Vejiga – Bladder
• Uréter – Ureter
• Uretra – Urethra
• Orina – Urine

9. Reproductive System (Sistema Reproductivo)

For healthcare providers discussing reproductive health, these terms are critical.

• Órganos reproductivos – Reproductive organs
• Útero – Uterus
• Ovarios – Ovaries
• Testículos – Testicles
• Próstata – Prostate
• Vagina – Vagina
• Pene – Penis

10. Endocrine System (Sistema Endocrino)

Understanding these terms can help in explaining hormonal and metabolic conditions.

• Glándula – Gland
• Tiroides – Thyroid
• Páncreas – Pancreas (also part of the digestive system)
• Hormona – Hormone
• Glándulas suprarrenales – Adrenal glands
• Insulina – Insulin

Useful Phrases for Healthcare Professionals

Knowing anatomy vocabulary is only part of the equation; using it in context helps in real patient interactions. Here are some useful phrases:

• “¿Dónde siente el dolor?” – Where do you feel the pain?
• “Voy a revisar su… (parte del cuerpo).” – I’m going to check your (body part).
• “Por favor, respire profundamente.” – Please take a deep breath.
• “¿Tiene antecedentes de problemas con el corazón/pulmones?” – Do you have a history of heart/lung problems?
• “¿Puede mover su brazo/pierna?” – Can you move your arm/leg?
• “Vamos a hacer un examen de sangre.” – We’re going to do a blood test.
• “¿Es este el lugar donde siente dolor?” – Is this where you feel pain?
• “Es importante que tome sus medicamentos para la presión.” – It’s important that you take your blood pressure medications.

Anatomy Practice Scenarios

1. Chest Pain Scenario
   • Doctor/a: “¿Dónde exactamente siente el dolor en el pecho?”
     • (Where exactly do you feel the pain in your chest?)
   • Paciente: “Aquí, cerca del lado izquierdo.”
     • (Here, near the left side.)
   • Doctor/a: “¿Es un dolor constante o intermitente?”
     • (Is the pain constant or intermittent?)
2. Knee Pain Scenario
   • Doctor/a: “¿Tiene dolor en la articulación de la rodilla o en el músculo?”
     • (Do you have pain in the knee joint or in the muscle?)
   • Paciente: “En la articulación, especialmente cuando subo escaleras.”
     • (In the joint, especially when I go up stairs.)
3. Breathing Issue Scenario
   • Doctor/a: “¿Tiene dificultad para respirar cuando está acostado?”
     • (Do you have difficulty breathing when lying down?)
   • Paciente: “Sí, siento presión en el pecho.”
     • (Yes, I feel pressure in my chest.)

Conclusion

By familiarizing yourself with these anatomy terms and phrases, you can significantly improve communication with Spanish-speaking patients. Understanding how to explain anatomy and assess symptoms accurately enhances the patient’s comfort and confidence in the care they receive. Practice these terms and phrases, and you’ll be well-prepared to provide empathetic and effective care to Spanish-speaking patients.