Lateral

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Lateral refers to the anatomical direction denoting the side of the body or a body part that is farther from the middle or center of the body. Typically, lateral refers to the outer side of the body part, but it is also used to refer to the side of a body part. For example, when referring to the knee, lateral refers to the side of the knee farthest from the opposite knee.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

In anatomy, lateral describes something on the outer side of the body or away from its midline. It is used to describe any aspect of the body that is more towards the sides than the center. For example, the little finger is lateral to the thumb.

Medicine[edit | edit source]

In medicine, lateral is used to describe the side of an injury or the side of the body the injury is located. For example, a lateral injury to the right leg would be an injury on the right side of the right leg.

Radiology[edit | edit source]

In radiology, a lateral view is a view of an image from the side. For example, a lateral X-ray would show the side view of the body part being imaged.

See also[edit | edit source]

Lateral Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD