Contralateral

Contralateral refers to the "opposite side." Contralateral is a term used to describe movements or structures that occur on the opposite side of the body. For example, the external obliques assist with contralateral rotation (rotation to the side opposite of the muscle).

• Opposite: Ipsilateral
• Synonym: Opposite side

For more examples of contralateral used in anatomy (including a video lecture), check out:

• Lesson 1: Anatomical Position and Anatomical Directions
• Lesson 3: Joint Actions
• Lesson 18: The Spine and Trunk Muscles

Terms referring to sides:

• Bilateral
• Unilateral
• Contralateral
• Ipsilateral

Examples of uses of the term "Contralateral:"

• Joint Actions of the Spine : The spine is an interesting structure because it is central. The joint actions lateral flexion and rotation refer to side bending and twisting of the spine but do not indicate which direction. The words ipsilateral and contralateral are used to describe which direction the lateral flexion or rotation is occurring. For example, if discussing which direction a muscle will rotate the spine, and the muscle will rotate the spine to the opposite side as the muscle (e.g., the external obliques), then the muscle is said to perform contralateral rotation.
• Exercise science: When performing a single-leg touchdown , reaching toward the foot of the working leg with the contralateral arm will increase gluteus medius activity.