Laura García-Orozco; Jorge Eduardo Duque Parra & Mariano del Sol

This study analyzes the Spanish translation of the anatomical term Pes anserinus, a Latin term included in the second edition of Terminologia Anatomica under the numerical code 2612. The most common translation in Spanish biomedical literature is “pata de ganso” (goose foot). However, this rendering is philologically inadequate, since “pes” means “foot” in both humans and animals, according to Latin etymology and Nomina Anatomica Avium, in this specific context. Through an etymological, bibliographic, and exploratory review of scientific databases, the analysis revealed that all anatomy textbooks, as well as most of the scientific articles consulted, consistently employ the term “pata de ganso”, despite its terminological inconsistencies. Likewise, the review revealed variations in the anatomical definition of the term, particularly regarding the muscles involved and the distinction between its superficial and deep portions. The analysis also revealed an almost exclusive use of “pata de ganso” in clinical contexts such as orthopedic surgery, imaging, and rehabilitation. Based on these findings, we conclude that the translation of anatomical terms must be based on rigorous philological and zoological criteria, particularly when using zoonyms. In this regard, we propose adopting an interdisciplinary approach that articulates medical terminology with linguistic, etymological, and comparative anatomy foundations to promote more precise, coherent, and functional nomenclature in teaching and clinical settings. The term Pes anserinus highlights the importance of critically reviewing anatomical translations within Spanish-language scholarship, ensuring conceptual clarity and scientific accuracy.

KEY WORDS: Goose foot; Pes anserinus; Terminologia Anatomica.

GARCÍA-OROZCO, L.; DUQUE-PARRA, J. E. & DEL SOL, M. Pes anserinus in Spanish-speaking clinical, anatomical and scientific practice. Int. J. Morphol., 43(4):1350-1356, 2025.