In anatomical terms, what does 'medial' refer to?

Medial refers to a position that is closer to the midline or center of the body. In anatomical terminology, it is used to describe structures that are located towards the inner core or middle of the body, distinguishing them from structures that are positioned more laterally or towards the sides. Understanding the term medial is crucial in anatomy as it helps to accurately communicate the locations of different organs or parts of the body in relation to one another, which is essential for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment in medical settings. This characteristic of being located towards the center is what makes this definition correct.