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"Columna vertebral" is a noun which is often translated as "spine", and "espina dorsal" is a phrase which is also often translated as "spine". Learn more about the difference between "columna vertebral" and "espina dorsal" below.
la columna vertebral(
koh
-
loom
-
nah
 
behr
-
teh
-
brahl
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. spine
El dolor me baja desde el cuello por toda la columna vertebral.The pain runs down from my neck all along my spine.
b. backbone
Para evitar lesiones, es necesario poner la columna vertebral en la postura adecuada al sentarse.To avoid injuries, it's necessary to get the backbone in the appropriate position when sitting.
c. column
Mónica no puede conducir por una lesión en la columna vertebral.Monica can't drive because of a column injury.
d. spinal column
A word or phrase that is only used by experts, professionals, or academics in a particular field (e.g., exposition).
(technical)
La columna vertebral humana se compone de 33 vértebras.The human spinal column is composed of 33 vertebrae.
e. vertebral column
A word or phrase that is only used by experts, professionals, or academics in a particular field (e.g., exposition).
(technical)
Una de las funciones de la columna vertebral es proteger la médula espinal.One of the functions of the vertebral column is to protect the spinal chord.
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espina dorsal(
ehs
-
pee
-
nah
 
dohr
-
sahl
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. spine
Tuve que someterme a una cirugía en la espina dorsal debido a una herida reciente.I had to undergo surgery on my spine because of a recent injury.
b. spinal column
El actor se quedó paralítico tras romperse la espina dorsal al caer del caballo.The actor became paralyzed after breaking his spinal column when he fell down from the horse.
c. backbone
Una lesión en la espina dorsal dejó a Ana en silla de ruedas por el resto de su vida.An injury in her backbone left Ana in a wheelchair for the rest of her life.
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