What does the term 'bilateral' mean?

The term 'bilateral' refers to something that is present on two sides or affecting both sides of a structure or area. In medical and anatomical terminology, when a condition, symptom, or structure is described as bilateral, it indicates that it involves both the left and right sides of the body. For example, bilateral lung disease would mean that both lungs are affected, and a bilateral mastectomy involves the surgical removal of both breasts.

Understanding the precise meaning of 'bilateral' is important, especially in contexts like health assessments, where conditions may differ based on whether they are unilateral (affecting one side) or bilateral. The concept encompasses a range of applications, from anatomy to conditions such as bilateral hearing loss, which highlights the significance of the term in both clinical and general usage.