ipsilaterálisak

Ipsilaterális refers to the same side of the body. In anatomy and medicine, it describes movements, nerves, or conditions that occur on one side of the body and affect structures on that same side. For instance, an ipsilateral reflex is a reflex action that occurs on the same side of the body as the stimulus. If you touch a hot stove with your right hand, the muscles in your right arm that pull away are responding via an ipsilateral reflex.

The term originates from Latin, with "ipse" meaning "self" and "lateralis" meaning "side." Understanding ipsilaterality is crucial in diagnosing and treating neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. For example, a stroke affecting one side of the brain can lead to ipsilateral weakness or paralysis in the limbs on that same side, although crossed effects (contralateral) are also common depending on the specific area of the brain involved.

In neurophysiology, nerve pathways can be ipsilateral or contralateral. An ipsilateral pathway carries signals from a particular point on one side of the body to a processing center that also influences the same side. Conversely, a contralateral pathway crosses over to the opposite side of the body or central nervous system. Recognizing these pathways helps in understanding how sensory information is processed and how motor commands are executed. The distinction between ipsilateral and contralateral is fundamental in fields such as neurology, physical therapy, and ophthalmology.