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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.
Open References

References

Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Lateral. www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lateral. Accessed January 17, 2023.

  • Anatomical landmarks adult - side

    Anatomical landmarks adult - side - illustration

    There are three body views (front, back, and side) that can help you to identify a specific body area. The labels show areas of the body which are identified either by anatomical or by common names. For example, the back of the knee is called the “popliteal fossa,” while the “flank” is an area on the side of the body.

    Anatomical landmarks adult - side

    illustration

  • Lateral orientation

    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 adult - side

    Anatomical landmarks adult - side - illustration

    There are three body views (front, back, and side) that can help you to identify a specific body area. The labels show areas of the body which are identified either by anatomical or by common names. For example, the back of the knee is called the “popliteal fossa,” while the “flank” is an area on the side of the body.

    Anatomical landmarks adult - side

    illustration

  • Lateral orientation

    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

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Review Date: 10/20/2022

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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