TERMS OF LATERALITY

Help determine the position of structures by the left and right side of the body

• Ipsilateral + Contralateral: used when comparing DIFFERENT structures

  • Ipsilateral: different structures that exists on the same side of the body

    • example: the right hand is ipsilateral to the right thigh

  • Contralateral: different structures that exists on opposite sides of the body

    • example: the left arm is contralateral to the right foot

• Unilateral + Bilateral: used when describing ONE structure

  • Unilateral: a structure existing on only one side of the body

    • ex: the appendix is unilateral

  • Bilateral: a structure existing on both sides of the body

    • example: the lungs are bilateral

Questions

1. Which term refers to different structures located on the same side of the body.

2. Which term refers to a structure found on one side of the body?

3. Which term refers to a structure found on both sides of the body?

4. Which term refers to different structures located on opposite side of the body?

5. Which 2 terms are used for comparison between different structures?

6. Which 2 terms are used for describing a single structure?

7. The right leg is _______ to the left leg

8. Arms are ______

9. The gallbladder is _____

10. The left eye is ______ to the left hand

Answers

1. Ipsilateral

2. Unilateral

3. Bilateral

4. Contralateral

5. Ipsilateral and Contralateral

6. Unilateral and Bilateral

7. Contralateral

8. Bilateral

9. Unilateral

10. Ipsilateral