What term describes structures located on opposite sides of the body?

The term that describes structures located on opposite sides of the body is "contralateral." This term is often used in anatomy to indicate that two structures are on opposite sides of a reference point, typically the midline of the body. For instance, if an injury occurred to the left arm, the right arm would be considered contralateral to it because they are on opposite sides. Understanding this terminology is essential in anatomy and medicine, as it helps clearly define locations of structures in relation to each other, especially in clinical assessments and diagnoses.

In contrast, the terms "ipsilateral" and "unilateral" describe different relationships. Ipsilateral refers to structures located on the same side of the body, while unilateral indicates involvement or presence on one side only. Medial points to structures that are closer to the midline of the body, which is not relevant when discussing the location of structures on opposite sides. This distinction is crucial for accurately describing anatomical locations and conducting thorough assessments.