Which term means both sides?

Which term means both sides?

• A. Unilateral
• B. Bilateral
• C. Medial
• D. Lateral

Answer: (B)

The concept tested is describing involvement of both sides. The term bilateral uses the prefix bi- meaning two and the root lateral referring to a side, so together it means two sides. In practice, bilateral is used when the condition or symptom appears on both feet or both sides of the body, such as bilateral swelling or bilateral bunions. Unilateral means on one side, medial means toward the midline, and lateral means away from the midline, so they don’t convey the idea of two sides like bilateral does.

The concept tested is describing involvement of both sides. The term bilateral uses the prefix bi- meaning two and the root lateral referring to a side, so together it means two sides. In practice, bilateral is used when the condition or symptom appears on both feet or both sides of the body, such as bilateral swelling or bilateral bunions.

Unilateral means on one side, medial means toward the midline, and lateral means away from the midline, so they don’t convey the idea of two sides like bilateral does.