What does the term “medial” refer to in anatomy?

The term "medial" in anatomy refers to something that is closer to the midline of the body. The midline is an imaginary line that runs vertically down the center of the body, dividing it into left and right halves. Therefore, when you describe a structure or position as medial, you are indicating that it is located towards the center or middle of the body compared to other structures.

For instance, the nose is medial to the eyes, meaning it is situated closer to the midline than the eyes are. This understanding of anatomical directional terms is crucial for accurately describing the locations of various body parts, which helps in clinical assessments and communication among healthcare professionals.