What does 'bilateral' refer to in anatomical terms?

In anatomical terms, 'bilateral' refers to something that involves both sides of the body. This term is often used to describe structures, conditions, or assessments that are related to both the left and right sides. For example, when evaluating a patient's injuries or examining a body part, physicians may assess bilateral symmetry, which ensures that both sides are functioning or appearing similarly. This can be critical in diagnosing conditions that might affect one side differently than the other.

In contrast, terms related to single-sided structures or conditions, such as 'unilateral,' do not apply when referring to 'bilateral.' Additionally, terms that indicate position in relation to the trunk or surface, such as 'proximal' (nearer to the trunk), 'distal' (farther from the trunk), or 'superficial' (nearer to the surface) do not pertain to the concept of bilateral, highlighting the specific association of 'bilateral' with both sides of the body.