intratecal
/intɾateˈkal/
The English phrase "intrathecal" is translated into Spanish as intratecal.
The adjective intratecal is a medical term used to describe something that is delivered or administered into the spinal canal.
Meaning: delivered into the spinal canal (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix intra-, which is identical to the English prefix meaning "within" or "inside"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, healthcare professionals often prefer the synonym intrarraquídeo over intratecal.
How do you pronounce it?
/intɾateˈkal/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the root teca is used to form the names of specialized libraries or archives, such as a biblioteca or hemeroteca.
- The Spanish synonym intrarraquídeo is built from raquis, a term borrowed from the Greek word for 'spine' which is also used in English to describe the central axis of a leaf.
- While intratecal is a formal medical term, a Spanish speaker might describe the physical location as being en el canal raquídeo when explaining the procedure to a patient in plain language.
Examples in context
- Vamos a realizar una punción intratecal para administrar el medicamento.We are going to perform an intrathecal puncture to administer the medication.
- El médico quiere realizar una inyección dentro de la médula espinal (intratecalmente).The doctor wants to perform an injection inside the spinal cord (intrathecally).
- El fármaco se aplicó por vía intratecal.The drug was administered via the intratecal route.
- Necesitamos una administración intratecal de este medicamento.We need an intratecal administration of this medication.
- La anestesia intratecal reduce el dolor rápidamente.The intratecal anesthesia reduces pain quickly.
Example conversation
A doctor is explaining a procedure to a patient in a hospital.
- MaríaAlejandro, la medicación será administrada de forma intratecal.Alejandro, the medication will be administered intratecally.
- Alejandro¿Es segura la administración intratecal para mí?Is the intratecal administration safe for me?
- MaríaSí, la vía intratecal es muy efectiva.Yes, the intratecal route is very effective.
- AlejandroEntiendo, gracias por la explicación, doctora.I understand, thank you for the explanation, doctor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “intrathecal” translations and entries intratecal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
