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

The term 'medial' specifically refers to a position that is closer to the midline of the body, which is an imaginary line that runs vertically down the center, dividing the body into left and right halves. This terminology is crucial in medical contexts as it helps describe the location of structures relative to one another. For instance, the nose is medial to the cheeks, meaning it is closer to the center line of the face. Understanding this term helps healthcare professionals accurately communicate about anatomical positions and relationships, which is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment.