In anatomical terms, what does "lateral" imply about a structure's location?

In anatomical terminology, "lateral" refers to the position of a structure that is further away from the midline of the body. The midline is an imaginary vertical line that divides the body into equal left and right halves. When a structure is described as being lateral, it indicates that it is located towards the sides of the body, away from that midline. This term is essential for accurately describing the relative positions of different structures in the body, such as how the arms are lateral to the torso or how the ears are located laterally with respect to the eyes. This clear definition helps in understanding not only each part's location in relation to one another but also assists in analysis during medical examinations and procedures.