Parts of the body that lie farther from the midline are known as what?

Lateral is the correct term for parts of the body that lie farther from the midline. In anatomical terminology, the midline divides the body into equal right and left halves. When a structure is described as lateral, it indicates that it is positioned away from this midline.

For instance, the arms are lateral to the torso, meaning they are farther away from the center of the body. This concept is fundamental in anatomy because it helps in accurately describing locations and relationships between different body parts.

In contrast, medial describes parts that are closer to the midline, proximal refers to a position that is nearer to the trunk of the body or point of attachment, and distal indicates a position farther away from the trunk or point of attachment. These terms provide a precise language for healthcare professionals when discussing anatomical locations.