What does the term "medial" indicate?

The term "medial" is used in anatomical terminology to describe a position that is closer to the midline of the body. This midline is an imaginary vertical line that divides the body into left and right halves. Understanding this term is essential in anatomy as it helps to accurately describe the location of structures relative to one another. For example, the heart is considered medial to the lungs because it is closer to the midline than the lungs are. Recognizing this term assists in conveying the spatial relationships of body structures effectively.