Última actualización: 7 de julio de 2026
Normal Human Body Parameters: Medical Vocabulary Guide
Understanding normal human body parameters is essential for healthcare professionals, medical students, English learners, and anyone interested in health and wellness. This guide explains common medical terms, their normal reference values, meanings in Spanish, and practical examples in English.
1. Blood Pressure
Normal Value: 120/80 mmHg
Significado: Presión arterial.
Blood pressure measures the force of blood against artery walls. A reading of 120/80 mmHg is generally considered normal for healthy adults.
Example: My blood pressure was 120/80 during my annual medical check-up.
2. Pulse (Heart Rate)
Normal Value: 60–100 bpm
Significado: Pulso o frecuencia cardíaca.
The pulse indicates how many times the heart beats per minute.
Example: After resting for ten minutes, her pulse was 72 bpm.
3. Body Temperature
Normal Value: 36.5–37.5 °C
Significado: Temperatura corporal.
Body temperature reflects the body’s ability to generate and regulate heat.
Example: His body temperature was 37°C, which is perfectly normal.
4. Respiratory Rate
Normal Value: 12–20 breaths/min
Significado: Frecuencia respiratoria.
The respiratory rate measures how many breaths a person takes each minute.
Example: The patient’s respiratory rate was 16 breaths per minute.
5. Hemoglobin (Male)
Normal Value: 13.5–17.5 g/dL
Significado: Hemoglobina (hombres).
Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Example: His hemoglobin level was 15 g/dL.
6. Hemoglobin (Female)
Normal Value: 12.0–15.5 g/dL
Significado: Hemoglobina (mujeres).
Healthy hemoglobin levels help transport oxygen efficiently.
Example: Her hemoglobin result was 13.8 g/dL.
7. Total Cholesterol
Normal Value: < 200 mg/dL
Significado: Colesterol total.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance needed by the body, but excessive levels may increase cardiovascular risk.
Example: My total cholesterol is below 200 mg/dL.
8. Potassium
Normal Value: 3.5–5.0 mmol/L
Significado: Potasio.
Potassium is an essential mineral involved in muscle and nerve function.
Example: The blood test showed normal potassium levels.
9. Sodium
Normal Value: 135–145 mmol/L
Significado: Sodio.
Sodium helps regulate fluid balance and nerve signals.
Example: Her sodium level was 140 mmol/L.
10. Triglycerides
Normal Value: < 150 mg/dL
Significado: Triglicéridos.
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood.
Example: Regular exercise can help lower triglycerides.
11. Total Blood Volume
Normal Value: Approximately 5–6 L
Significado: Volumen total de sangre.
The average adult has between five and six liters of blood.
Example: An average adult has about five liters of blood.
12. Fasting Blood Sugar (Adult)
Normal Value: 70–99 mg/dL
Significado: Glucosa en ayunas (adultos).
Fasting blood sugar measures glucose levels after not eating for several hours.
Example: My fasting blood sugar was 92 mg/dL.
13. Fasting Blood Sugar (Children)
Normal Value: 70–100 mg/dL
Significado: Glucosa en ayunas (niños).
Children generally have similar fasting glucose ranges as adults.
Example: The child’s fasting blood sugar was normal.
14. Iron (Serum)
Normal Value: 60–170 µg/dL
Significado: Hierro sérico.
Iron is necessary for producing hemoglobin and transporting oxygen.
Example: Low serum iron may cause fatigue.
15. White Blood Cells (WBC)
Normal Value: 4,000–11,000 /µL
Significado: Glóbulos blancos.
White blood cells help the body fight infections.
Example: His white blood cell count was within the normal range.
16. Platelets
Normal Value: 150,000–400,000 /µL
Significado: Plaquetas.
Platelets help blood clot and prevent excessive bleeding.
Example: Platelets are essential for wound healing.
17. Red Blood Cells (Male)
Normal Value: 4.7–6.1 million /µL
Significado: Glóbulos rojos (hombres).
Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to body tissues.
Example: His red blood cell count was normal.
18. Red Blood Cells (Female)
Normal Value: 4.2–5.4 million /µL
Significado: Glóbulos rojos (mujeres).
Healthy red blood cell counts support efficient oxygen transport.
Example: Her red blood cell count was 5 million per microliter.
19. Calcium (Total)
Normal Value: 8.6–10.2 mg/dL
Significado: Calcio total.
Calcium is important for bones, muscles, and nerve function.
Example: Dairy products are rich in calcium.
20. Vitamin D (25-OH)
Normal Value: 20–50 ng/mL
Significado: Vitamina D.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and maintain healthy bones.
Example: Spending time outdoors can increase vitamin D levels.
21. Vitamin B12
Normal Value: 200–900 pg/mL
Significado: Vitamina B12.
Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function and red blood cell production.
Example: Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause tiredness and weakness.