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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.

Text only

Review Date: 10/10/2020

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.

References

Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Lateral. www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lateral. Accessed February 1, 2021.

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Anatomical landmarks adult - side - Illustration Thumbnail

Anatomical landmarks adult - side

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.

Illustration

Lateral orientation - Illustration Thumbnail

Lateral orientation

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.

Illustration

Anatomical landmarks adult - side - Illustration Thumbnail

Anatomical landmarks adult - side

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.

Illustration

Lateral orientation - Illustration Thumbnail

Lateral orientation

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.

Illustration

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
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