Which term describes a condition limited to one side of the body?

The term that describes a condition limited to one side of the body is "unilateral." This terminology is commonly used in medical contexts to indicate that an issue, symptom, or condition affects only one side of the body, as opposed to both sides.

For example, if a patient has weakness in the left arm and leg only, this would be described as unilateral weakness. Understanding the difference between unilateral and bilateral is crucial for assessing and diagnosing various medical conditions.

In contrast, bilateral refers to conditions that affect both sides of the body, such as bilateral knee pain, where both knees are symptomatic. Ventral refers to the front or belly side of the body, while anterior would refer to the front side, generally in relation to position, not a specific condition. These terms do not convey the same concept of lateral involvement as unilateral does, making "unilateral" the most accurate choice in this context.