Kontralaterální

Kontralaterální (from Latin contra- “opposite” and lateralis “lateral”) is an anatomical term used to describe relations or effects on the side opposite to a reference point, such as the opposite side of the body or a limb. The term is used in Czech medical literature, and in English texts the form contralateral is more common; kontralaterální is the Czech variant.

In anatomy and neuroscience, contralateral describes pathways, structures, or functional outcomes that occur on the opposite side of the body relative to their origin. Many motor pathways cross to the opposite side; for example, the primary motor cortex in one hemisphere predominantly controls movement of the opposite limb. Sensory pathways often decussate in the brainstem or thalamus, so tactile and proprioceptive information from one side is mapped contralaterally in the cerebral cortex. The concept also applies to reflexes, vascular patterns, and bilateral organs where a counterpart on the opposite side participates in similar or complementary functions.

Clinical relevance: unilateral brain or spinal cord injuries can produce contralateral deficits, such as weakness or diminished sensation on the side opposite the lesion. Recognizing contralateral relationships assists in localizing lesions and interpreting neurological findings.

See also: ipsilateral, decussation, cross-hemisphere processing.