extremidad inferior
Lemma Details
Translation: lower limb; lower extremity; leg
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'extremitas' (extremity, end point) and 'inferior' (lower). 'Extremidad' refers to the furthest part from the center or trunk of the body, while 'inferior' indicates its position below the trunk. This anatomical term maintains its Latin roots similar to the English medical terminology 'lower extremity'.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 80%
Register: medical, formal
Example Usage
Las extremidades inferiores son fundamentales para la locomoción humana.
The lower limbs are fundamental for human locomotion.
El médico examinó las extremidades inferiores en busca de signos de mala circulación.
The doctor examined the lower limbs looking for signs of poor circulation.
El paciente presenta dolor en la extremidad inferior derecha.
The patient presents with pain in the right lower limb.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'extremity' in English (the furthest point) + 'inferior' (lower) = the limbs at the lower end of the body.
- Remember that 'inferior' in this context simply means 'lower' positionally, not lesser in quality.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This term is primarily used in medical and anatomical contexts in Spanish. In everyday conversation, Spanish speakers are more likely to use 'pierna' (leg) rather than the formal anatomical term 'extremidad inferior'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'extremidad inferior' refers to the leg (from hip to foot), 'extremidad superior' refers to the arm (from shoulder to hand).
Confused word:
Sufrió una fractura en la extremidad superior derecha.
He suffered a fracture in the right upper limb.
Notes: Both terms are formal anatomical terminology used primarily in medical contexts.
Mnemonic: Inferior = below (legs), Superior = above (arms)
Explanation: 'Extremidad inferior' is the formal anatomical term for the entire lower limb, while 'pierna' is the common everyday word for 'leg' and technically refers to just the part between knee and ankle.
Notes: 'Extremidad inferior' includes the entire structure from hip to toes, while 'pierna' in strict anatomical terms refers specifically to the lower leg.
Mnemonic: Extremidad inferior is for the doctor's office; pierna is for everyday conversation.