columna torácica
/kolumna toɾaθika/from spelling rules
The English phrase "thoracic spine" is translated into Spanish as columna torácica.
The term refers to the part of the spinal column located in the chest area. In clinical or common medical contexts, you may also hear the synonym zona dorsal to describe this specific area.
Which one should you use?
While columna torácica is the standard term, Columna Torácica and Columna Vertebral Torácica are more formal variations. For a more casual or non-medical description of the area, one might use the informal term Espalda Alta (upper back).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Central America, the term Columna Dorsal may be used to refer to the thoracic spine.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase columna torácica is feminine and singular. Consequently, any articles or adjectives accompanying it must also be feminine and singular, such as in la columna torácica.
Did you know?
- While 'dorsal' in English often describes the entire back, a Spanish speaker using zona dorsal is specifically referring to the thoracic section.
- The word columna comes from the Latin word for 'pillar' or 'post', which explains why it is used for both architectural structures and the human spine.
- The phrase zona dorsal is often used by physiotherapists in Spain, whereas a patient in Mexico might more commonly refer to that same area as 'la parte de arriba de la espalda'.
Examples in context
- La columna torácica está compuesta por doce vértebras.The thoracic spine is composed of twelve vertebrae.
- Siento un dolor en la columna torácica.I feel a pain in my thoracic spine.
- La radiografía muestra la columna torácica.The X-ray shows the thoracic spine.
- El médico revisó mi columna torácica.The doctor examined my thoracic spine.
Example conversation
A patient is describing her symptoms to a doctor.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿dónde siente la molestia exactamente?Sofía, where exactly do you feel the discomfort?
- SofíaCreo que es en la columna torácica, Alejandro.I think it is in the thoracic spine, Alejandro.
- AlejandroVoy a hacerle una radiografía de esa zona.I am going to take an X-ray of that area.
- SofíaMuy bien, espero que no sea nada grave.Very well, I hope it is nothing serious.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries columna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
