What does the term lateral mean when pertaining to medical terminology?

In medical terminology, "lateral" refers to the side or aspect of the body that is farther from the midline or center. It is used to describe the position or location of anatomical structures, organs, or body parts in relation to the median plane, which divides the body into left and right halves.

For example:

- Lateral malleolus: This term refers to the bony prominence on the outer side of the ankle.

- Lateral rectus muscle: This is one of the six muscles that control eye movement and is located on the outer side of the eye.

- Lateral ventricle: This cavity in the brain is situated on each side of the midline.

- Lateral epicondylitis ("tennis elbow"): This condition involves inflammation or irritation of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow.

- Lateral incisor: This is the second tooth from the midline in the upper or lower jaw.

- Lateral spinal cord syndrome: This refers to a condition where damage occurs to one lateral half of the spinal cord, leading to weakness or loss of function on the same side of the body below the level of the injury.