In anatomical terms, what does 'medial' mean?

The term 'medial' is used in anatomical terminology to describe a position that is closer to the midline of the body. The midline refers to an imaginary vertical line that divides the body into left and right halves. Therefore, structures that are located towards this midline are considered medial, while those positioned away from the midline are described as lateral. By understanding this terminology, one can accurately describe the locations of different parts of the body in relation to each other, which is essential in medical and health-related fields.