What does the term lateral indicate in relation to body positioning?

The term "lateral" refers specifically to the positioning or location in relation to the sides of the body. In anatomical terminology, when something is described as lateral, it means that it is situated away from the midline of the body or closer to the outer sides. This term is used frequently in medical settings to differentiate between structures or to describe movement, positioning, or the direction of a medical condition.

For example, the arms are lateral to the torso since they are positioned away from the midline. Understanding these directional terms is important for accurately describing the locations of organs, injuries, or medical procedures in relation to the body’s midline. This knowledge is essential for coders to effectively document and code medical records for inpatient services.