membros

Membros is a Portuguese noun with two primary senses, depending on context: the limbs of the human body and the individuals who belong to a group or organization.

In anatomical use, membros refer to the body's limbs, divided into membros superiores (upper limbs) and membros inferiores (lower limbs). The upper limbs encompass the shoulder girdle, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand, while the lower limbs include the hip girdle, thigh, leg, ankle, and foot. The major bones involved are the humerus, radius, and ulna in the upper limb, and the femur, tibia, and fibula in the lower limb, along with the respective carpals, metacarpals, phalanges (for hands) and tarsals, metatarsals, phalanges (for feet). Joints such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle enable a wide range of movements. Muscles including the deltoids, biceps, quadriceps, and gastrocnemius power these movements and provide strength and control. The study of membros covers structure, function, and common injuries or conditions affecting the limbs.

As a social term, membros denotes individuals who belong to a collective, such as a family, association, club, or institution. Membership implies certain rights, duties, and a recognized relationship with the group. The word is commonly used in formal and informal language, for example, “membros da diretoria” or “membros da comunidade.”

Etymology traces to Latin membrum, meaning a limb or part of the body, with the Portuguese plural form membros.