What term refers to the side of the body away from the midline?

• A. Lateral
• B. Medial
• C. Inferior
• D. Anterior

Answer: (A)

In anatomy, directional terms describe where a body part is relative to another part or to the body's midline. The midline runs vertically down the center of the body. The term for a location away from that midline, toward the side of the body, is lateral. So, something described as lateral is on or toward the outside of the body relative to the midline. Medial means toward the midline, while inferior means below and anterior means toward the front. To visualize it, think of your ears being on the sides of your head, which are lateral to the eyes, whereas the nose is closer to the midline (medial).