Biological Medical Anatomy Terminology

A Professional Gift to the Interpreting Community from Samuel Arcelay

Director's Note: In the medical scene, the patient’s body is the "Stage." Symptoms are the "Dialogue," and the diagnosis is the "Plot Twist." As an interpreter, you must accurately translate the physical hardware of the human engine to ensure the "Director" (The Physician) can provide the correct "Action Plan" (Treatment).

Part I: The Body’s Hardware (Anatomy)

System / Organ Spanish Translation The "Function" (Subconscious Role)
Cardiovascular System Sistema Cardiovascular The Fuel Pump. Distributes oxygen and nutrients.
Small/Large Intestine Intestino delgado/grueso The Processing Center. Waste management.
Gallbladder Vesícula biliar The Chemical Storage (Bile for fat digestion).
Endocrine System Sistema Endocrino The Script Writer. Sends hormonal commands.
Ligaments / Tendons Ligamentos / Tendones The Rigging. Connects bone to bone/muscle.

Part II: Symptom Dialogue (Common Complaints)

Dull Pain: Dolor sordo/leve

Sharp/Stabbing Pain: Dolor punzante

Throbbing Pain: Dolor pulsante

Numbness: Entumecimiento

Tingling: Hormigueo

Shortness of breath: Falta de aire

Blurred vision: Visión borrosa

Nausea/Vomiting: Náuseas/Vómitos

Swelling/Edema: Hinchazón/Edema

Tenderness: Sensibilidad al tacto

Part III: Practice Scenarios & Clinical Scripts

Scenario A: The Cardiovascular Emergency

The Scene: An ER doctor is assessing a patient suspected of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack).

The Script:

  • Doctor: "Are you feeling any pressure or radiating pain in your left arm or jaw?"
  • Interpreter (Spanish): "¿Siente alguna presión o dolor que se irradie hacia el brazo izquierdo o la mandíbula?"
  • Patient: "Yes, it feels like an elephant is sitting on my chest and I can't catch my breath."
  • Interpreter (English): "Sí, siento como si un elefante estuviera sentado en mi pecho y no puedo recobrar el aliento."

Scenario B: Pre-Op Consent & Protocol

The Scene: A surgeon is explaining a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) to a nervous patient.

The Script:

  • Surgeon: "We will make a small incision near your navel to insert the camera."
  • Interpreter (Spanish): "Haremos una pequeña incisión cerca del ombligo para introducir la cámara."
  • Surgeon: "There are risks of hemorrhage or adverse reactions to anesthesia."
  • Interpreter (Spanish): "Existen riesgos de hemorragia o reacciones adversas a la anestesia."

Part IV: The "Limbi-Glossary" (Key Medical Terms)

Benign: Benigno (Not cancerous)

Biopsy: Biopsia

Blood Pressure: Presión arterial

Chronic: Crónico (Long-term script)

Diagnosis: Diagnóstico

Fast (NPO): Ayuno (Nada por la boca)

Hives: Ronchas/Urticaria

Intravenous (IV): Intravenoso (Suero)

Malignant: Maligno (Cancerous)

Outpatient: Paciente externo/ambulatorio

Prescription: Receta médica

Relapse: Recaída

Screening: Evaluación/Detección

Stitch / Suture: Puntos / Sutura

Urinalysis: Análisis de orina

X-Ray: Radiografía

Part V: Interpreter Practice Drill

The Task: Sight translate the following "Physician Commands" into Spanish without hesitation.

  1. "Apply a cold compress to the affected area three times a day."
  2. "The lab results indicate an elevated white blood cell count."
  3. "We need to rule out any underlying neurological conditions."
  4. "Take this medication on an empty stomach to ensure full absorption."

SYSTEMS CHECK COMPLETE — PROCEED TO TREATMENT