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cartílago means cartilage — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 20, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

cartílago

noun • /[kar-TEE-la-go]/

cartilage

Example:

El cartílago protege la articulación.

Cartilage protects the joint.

🧠 What does cartílago mean?

Cartílago refers to the flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, including joints, ears, nose, and the rib cage. It serves to cushion bones, provide structure, and allow for smooth movement. In a medical context, it is crucial for understanding conditions affecting the skeletal system and joints, such as arthritis or injuries involving the meniscus.

📚 Extra examples

  • El cartílago articular reduce la fricción entre los huesos en las articulaciones.
    Articular cartilage reduces friction between bones in the joints.
  • Una lesión en el menisco puede afectar el cartílago de la rodilla.
    A meniscus injury can affect the cartilage in the knee.
  • El pabellón de la oreja está compuesto principalmente de cartílago elástico.
    The auricle of the ear is mainly composed of elastic cartilage.
  • El crecimiento óseo en los niños ocurre en las placas de cartílago.
    Bone growth in children occurs at the cartilage plates.

💡 Did You Know?

The human body contains various types of cartilage, including hyaline cartilage (found in joints and the rib cage), elastic cartilage (in the ears and epiglottis), and fibrocartilage (in the intervertebral discs and menisci). Each type has distinct properties and functions.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cartílago"

Synonyms: tejido cartilaginoso

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'cartilage' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'cartilage' is cartílago.
How do you pronounce 'cartílago' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'cartílago' is kahr-TEE-lah-goh. The stress is on the second syllable, 'tí'.
How do you use 'cartílago' in a sentence?
You can use 'cartílago' in sentences related to anatomy, medicine, or biology, for example: 'El deportista sufrió una rotura de cartílago.' (The athlete suffered a cartilage tear.)
What is the English translation of 'cartílago'?
The English translation of 'cartílago' is cartilage.
Does 'cartílago' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'cartílago' is a masculine noun. It is singular as 'cartílago' and plural as 'cartílagos'.
Is 'cartílago' common in everyday Spanish?
While directly discussing cartilage might be less frequent in casual conversation, the term is common in contexts related to health, sports injuries, and anatomical descriptions.
Does 'cartílago' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'cartílago' is a technical term with a specific biological and medical meaning. It does not typically carry slang or double meanings.
Is 'cartílago' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The term 'cartílago' is used consistently across Spain and Latin America with the same meaning in medical and anatomical contexts.

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