Medical Terminology · Multiple Systems · Medium
Contralateral
Meaning: Located on or affecting the opposite side of the body to another structure or a lesion.
In practice: A left-sided stroke typically causes contralateral weakness of the right arm and leg.
Quick check
Two questions on related medical terminology words.
Which word means: Lying flat on the front with the face pointing downwards.
Answer: Prone
Which word means: A sudden worsening or flare-up of the symptoms of an existing disease.
Answer: Exacerbation
Words like contralateral come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.