Ipsilateral

Ipsilateral refers to the same side of the body. It is an anatomical term used to specify the location of structures or activities occurring on the same side of an imaginary line bisecting the body into left and right halves. This term is often used in the medical field, particularly in neurology, anatomy, and other related disciplines.

The opposite of ipsilateral is contralateral, which refers to the opposite side of the body. For example, if an injury occurs on the right side of the brain, it can affect the ipsilateral right side of the body or the contralateral left side, depending on the specific structures and pathways involved.

Usage in Neurology

In neurology, the term ipsilateral is used to describe the side of the body that is affected by a neurological event, such as a stroke or brain injury. For example, if a stroke occurs in the left hemisphere of the brain, the right side of the body (the contralateral side) may be affected. However, some neurological pathways, such as those involved in pain and temperature sensation, cross over in the spinal cord. Therefore, a lesion in the right side of the brain could lead to loss of pain and temperature sensation on the ipsilateral side of the face and the contralateral side of the body.

Usage in Anatomy

In anatomy, the term ipsilateral is used to describe structures that are located on the same side of the body. For example, the right arm and right leg are ipsilateral to each other, as are the left eye and left ear. This term is often used in anatomical descriptions to provide a clear and precise understanding of the location of body structures.

See Also

• Anatomical terms of location
• Contralateral
• Decussation
• Neurology
• Anatomy

Ipsilateral Resources
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