tronco

Tronco is a noun used in Spanish and Portuguese with several related meanings. It can denote the trunk of a tree, the human or animal torso, or a large piece of wood such as a log. In some contexts the term also serves as a general reference to the central or main part from which other parts extend.

In human anatomy, the tronco or torso refers to the central body region that includes the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, along with the back. It houses most of the internal organs and provides attachment points for the limbs. The trunk is bounded above by the neck and below by the pelvis, and its muscles and structure support posture, respiration, and movement.

In botany and forestry, the tronco is the main stem of a tree or large shrub. It supports the canopy and serves as the conduit for water and nutrients through the vascular tissues. The trunk is typically covered by bark and contains growth rings that indicate age. The health and quality of the trunk influence timber value, and when felled it becomes a log or sawn timber.

Beyond these senses, tronco is commonly used in everyday language to refer to the body’s torso or as a metaphor for the central or essential part of something. The term is widespread in both Spanish and Portuguese, with regional variations in usage.