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Lateral
Lateral means to the side of, or away from, the middle of the body.
Examples:
- The ears are lateral to the nose.
- The arms are lateral to the chest.
References
Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Lateral. www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lateral . Accessed January 24, 2017.
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Anatomical landmarks, side view - illustration
There are three body views (front, back and side) that may be helpful if you are uncertain of a body area. Many areas are referred to by both descriptive and technical names. For example, the back of the knee is called the popliteal fossa. However, areas like the "flank" may not have both names, so the location may be unclear.
Anatomical landmarks, side view
illustration
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Lateral orientation - illustration
A lateral orientation is a position away from the midline of the body. For instance, the arms are lateral to the chest, and the ears are lateral to the head. A medial orientation is a position toward the midline of the body. An example of medial orientation is the eyes, which are medial to the ears on the head.
Lateral orientation
illustration
-
Anatomical landmarks, side view - illustration
There are three body views (front, back and side) that may be helpful if you are uncertain of a body area. Many areas are referred to by both descriptive and technical names. For example, the back of the knee is called the popliteal fossa. However, areas like the "flank" may not have both names, so the location may be unclear.
Anatomical landmarks, side view
illustration
-
Lateral orientation - illustration
A lateral orientation is a position away from the midline of the body. For instance, the arms are lateral to the chest, and the ears are lateral to the head. A medial orientation is a position toward the midline of the body. An example of medial orientation is the eyes, which are medial to the ears on the head.
Lateral orientation
illustration
Review Date: 12/10/2016
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
