How is the term 'medial' defined in anatomical terminology?

The term 'medial' in anatomical terminology refers to a position that is toward the midline of the body. This means that when a structure is described as being medial, it is located closer to the imaginary line that divides the body into left and right halves. For example, the nose is medial to the eyes, as it is positioned nearer to the midline than the eyes. In contrast, terms such as 'lateral' are used to describe positions that are farther away from the midline. This understanding of 'medial' is fundamental in anatomy as it helps describe the relative locations of body parts in relation to one another, facilitating clear communication in medical contexts and anatomical studies.