Lateral

Definition

Lateral means to the side of, or away from, the middle of the body. The ears are lateral to the nose. The arms are lateral to the chest.

Review Date: 11/14/2010

David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.