What is ipsilateral?

Ipsilateral

In anatomy and neurology, "ipsilateral" refers to something that occurs on the same side of the body. It is derived from the Latin words "ipse" (self) and "lateralis" (side). This is in contrast to <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/contralateral" >contralateral</a>, which refers to the opposite side.

• Applications: The term is used extensively when discussing neural pathways and how the brain controls the body. For example, an ipsilateral reflex arc might involve a sensory receptor and motor neuron on the same side of the spinal cord, resulting in muscle contraction on that same side.
• Clinical Significance: Understanding ipsilateral relationships is crucial in diagnosing and understanding neurological conditions. Damage to a particular side of the brain can lead to ipsilateral symptoms, which can help localize the lesion. For example, some <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/cerebellar%20lesions" >cerebellar lesions</a> can result in ipsilateral motor deficits.
• Examples:
  • If you raise your right hand, the muscle activation that causes this action is primarily controlled by the contralateral (left) side of your brain. However, some stabilizing muscles on the right side might be activated ipsilaterally.
  • An ipsilateral hearing loss means that the hearing loss is present in the same ear where the problem originates.