Which term describes away from the midline, on the outer side?

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

Answer: (B)

Directional terms describe location relative to the body's midline. The term that means away from the midline and toward the outer side is lateral. Medial is the opposite, describing a position closer to the midline. Proximal and distal refer to closeness to or distance from the limb’s point of attachment, not to the midline. Superficial describes position relative to the body surface, not sideways location. A helpful way to remember: in the anatomical position, the thumb side of the forearm is lateral, while the little finger side is toward the midline (medial). This is why lateral is the best fit for “away from the midline, on the outer side.”