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Anatomy & Physiology vocabulary · Body Regions and Directional Terms

Lateral

Meaning in anatomy & physiology, with examples

/ˈlætərəl/adjectiveCore term

In anatomy & physiology, lateral means: Farther from the midline of the body; toward the side. For example, the ears are lateral to the eyes.

In Turkish: dış yan, orta hattan uzak, lateral

How it is used

The opposite of medial. It also describes imaging views (a lateral X-ray is taken from the side) and patient positions (lying in the lateral position). Turkish speakers usually say 'lateral' too.

Example sentences

  1. In the anatomical position, the thumb is lateral to the little finger.

  2. We'll need a lateral X-ray of the knee as well as the front view.

Common collocations

  • lateral to
  • lateral side
  • lateral view
  • lateral X-ray
  • laterally
  • medialCloser to the midline, the imaginary vertical line that divides the body into left and right halves. For example, the nose is medial to the eyes.
  • anatomical positionThe standard reference posture used to describe the body: standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides with the palms facing forward, and feet together.
  • superficialCloser to the surface of the body. For example, the skin is superficial to the muscles, and superficial veins can often be seen under the skin.

More terms: Body Regions and Directional Terms

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.