Which term refers to toward the midline?

• A. Lateral
• B. Proximal
• C. Distal
• D. Medial

Answer: (D)

Medial is the term for toward the midline. The midline is an imaginary vertical line that runs down the center of the body, dividing it into left and right halves. Structures closer to this line are described as medial, while those farther away are described as lateral.

To put it in context, think of the nose as being closer to the midline than the ears, so the nose is more medial. Conversely, the ears are more lateral. Proximal and distal describe closeness to the trunk or point of origin (proximal is nearer the main body, distal is farther away), which is a different directional concept. For example, the elbow is proximal to the wrist, and the fingers are distal to the wrist.