Retrolateral
- Pronunciation
- /reh-troh-LAT-uh-ruhl/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Retrolateral
- Plural
- Retrolaterals
Definition
Located on or pertaining to the back side of the lateral side of an organism, often used in descriptions of the positioning of limbs or appendages in arachnology.
Etymology
From Latin 'retro-' meaning 'backward' and 'lateralis' meaning 'pertaining to the side'.
Example
The retrolateral fold of the spider's leg is a crucial feature for identifying certain species.
Synonyms
- Posterolateral
Related Terms
- Dorsal
- Ventral
- Lateral
- Medial
Usage Notes
The term retrolateral is commonly used in arachnology to specify the orientation of appendages, especially in the context of the legs and palps of spiders.