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Medial

Medial means toward the middle or center. It is the opposite of lateral. The term is used to describe general positions of body parts. For example, the chest is medial to the arm.

Your health care provider may use this term to clearly explain the relationship between things found during a physical exam or on medical tests.

References

Drake RL, Vogl AW, Mitchell AWM. The body. In: Drake RL, Vogl AW, Mitchell AWM, eds. Gray's Atlas of Anatomy. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 1.

Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary. Medial. www.merriam-webster.com/medical. Accessed July 18, 2022.

  • Anatomical landmarks adult – back

    Anatomical landmarks adult – back - illustration

    There are three body views (front, back, and side) that can help you to identify a specific body area. The labels show areas of the body which are identified either by anatomical or by common names. For example, the back of the knee is called the “popliteal fossa,” while the “flank” is an area on the side of the body.

    Anatomical landmarks adult – back

    illustration

  • Anatomical landmarks adult - front

    Anatomical landmarks adult - front - illustration

    There are three body views (front, back, and side) that can help you to identify a specific body area. The labels show areas of the body which are identified either by anatomical or by common names. For example, the back of the knee is called the “popliteal fossa,” while the “flank” is an area on the side of the body.

    Anatomical landmarks adult - front

    illustration

  • Medial orientation

    Medial orientation - illustration

    Medial orientation refers to a position toward the middle or center. For example, the big toe is medial to the second toe on the same foot.

    Medial orientation

    illustration

    • Anatomical landmarks adult – back

      Anatomical landmarks adult – back - illustration

      There are three body views (front, back, and side) that can help you to identify a specific body area. The labels show areas of the body which are identified either by anatomical or by common names. For example, the back of the knee is called the “popliteal fossa,” while the “flank” is an area on the side of the body.

      Anatomical landmarks adult – back

      illustration

    • Anatomical landmarks adult - front

      Anatomical landmarks adult - front - illustration

      There are three body views (front, back, and side) that can help you to identify a specific body area. The labels show areas of the body which are identified either by anatomical or by common names. For example, the back of the knee is called the “popliteal fossa,” while the “flank” is an area on the side of the body.

      Anatomical landmarks adult - front

      illustration

    • Medial orientation

      Medial orientation - illustration

      Medial orientation refers to a position toward the middle or center. For example, the big toe is medial to the second toe on the same foot.

      Medial orientation

      illustration


     

    Review Date: 7/25/2022

    Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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