Medical Encyclopedia

 

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Medial

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Anatomical landmarks, back view
Anatomical landmarks, back view
Anatomical landmarks, front view
Anatomical landmarks, front view
Medial orientation
Medial orientation

Definition    Return to top

Medial means toward the middle or center. It is the opposite of lateral. For example, the chest is medial to the arm. Your health care provider may use these terms to clearly explain the relationship between things that they find during a physical exam.

Update Date: 8/15/2008

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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