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

📅 Published: March 29, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

sistema

noun • /[sis-TE-ma]/

system

Example:

El sistema nervioso controla el cuerpo.

The nervous system controls the body.

🧠 What does sistema mean?

In a medical context, 'sistema' refers to a set of connected parts or organs that work together to perform a specific function within the body. This can range from the skeletal system (sistema esquelético) which provides structure and support, to the nervous system (sistema nervioso) which transmits signals, or the circulatory system (sistema circulatorio) responsible for transporting blood. Understanding these bodily systems is fundamental to medical diagnosis and treatment.

📚 Extra examples

  • El médico examinó el sistema nervioso del paciente.
    The doctor examined the patient's nervous system.
  • Una dieta equilibrada es esencial para el buen funcionamiento del sistema digestivo.
    A balanced diet is essential for the proper functioning of the digestive system.
  • La insuficiencia renal afecta al sistema excretor.
    Kidney failure affects the excretory system.
  • Los pulmones son parte fundamental del sistema respiratorio.
    The lungs are a fundamental part of the respiratory system.
  • Los huesos forman el sistema esquelético que da soporte al cuerpo.
    Bones form the skeletal system that supports the body.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'sistema' derives from the Greek word 'systema', meaning 'compound body' or 'organized whole', highlighting its inherent meaning of interconnected parts forming a unified entity.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "sistema"

Synonyms: mecanismo, estructura, organización, método, procedimiento
Opposites: desorden, caos, individuo, componente aislado

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'system' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'system' is 'sistema'.
How do you pronounce 'sistema' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'sistema' is 'see-STEH-mah'. The stress is on the second syllable.
How do you use 'sistema' in a sentence?
One can use 'sistema' by referring to a specific group of organs or processes, for example, 'el sistema inmunológico' (the immune system) or 'el sistema de alarma' (the alarm system).
What is the English translation of 'sistema'?
The English translation of 'sistema' is 'system'.
Does 'sistema' change for gender or number?
As a noun, 'sistema' is masculine and singular. It does not change for gender. To make it plural, one adds 's', becoming 'sistemas'.
Is 'sistema' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'sistema' is a very common word used in many contexts, not just medical ones. It appears in discussions about technology, organizations, and even abstract concepts.
Does 'sistema' have slang or double meanings?
While 'sistema' primarily means 'system', in informal contexts, it can sometimes refer to a well-established routine or method, or even a complex or rigid way of doing things. However, it does not typically carry offensive slang meanings.
Is 'sistema' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning and usage of 'sistema' are the same across Spain and Latin America. Variations might occur in specific idiomatic expressions or technical jargon, but the general understanding remains consistent.

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