Which direction does "lateral" indicate?

The term "lateral" refers to a position or direction that is away from the midline of the body. In anatomical terminology, the midline divides the body into equal left and right halves. Therefore, when something is described as being lateral, it means that it is located further from this central line. For instance, the ears are considered lateral structures in relation to the eyes, as they are situated on the sides of the head, further away from the midline. Understanding this concept is crucial in anatomy and medical assessments, as it helps to accurately communicate the locations of various body parts in relation to each other.