contralateral
Meaning of contralateral: Contralateral describes a structure, finding, or effect located on the side of the body opposite to the one being discussed.
Definition of contralateral
Contralateral means relating to or affecting the side of the body opposite to a specified side, such as an injury, structure, or symptom already described. The term is used to give precise anatomical context, particularly in situations where the side involved has clinical significance.
Contralateral is especially important in describing the nervous system, since many pathways in the brain and spinal cord cross from one side of the body to the other, meaning damage to one side of the brain can produce weakness or sensory changes on the contralateral side of the body rather than the same side. The term is also used in describing paired organs, such as referring to the contralateral kidney or contralateral breast.
Contralateral is the direct opposite of ipsilateral, which describes the same side as the structure or finding being discussed.
Used in a sentence
Weakness was noted in the contralateral arm following the neurologic event.
Good to know
Because many nerve pathways cross from one side of the body to the other, a brain injury on one side often produces contralateral rather than ipsilateral symptoms in the limbs.
Word origin
Where “contralateral” comes from
Formed from contra- (Latin, meaning "against" or "opposite") and lateral, from Latin lateralis, meaning "of the side."