Which anatomical term refers to a position that is away from the midline?

The term that describes a position away from the midline of the body is "lateral." In anatomical terminology, the midline is an imaginary line that divides the body into equal right and left halves. Structures that are located towards the sides of the body, further away from this midline, are termed lateral. For example, the arms are lateral to the torso because they are positioned away from the central axis of the body. Understanding this concept is crucial in anatomy, as it helps with the precise localization of body parts in relation to each other.

Other terms, like medial, refer to positions that are closer to the midline, while superior and inferior describe positions relative to the vertical axis—superior indicating "above" and inferior meaning "below." This distinction is fundamental when discussing anatomical orientation and movement, such as in Pilates, where body alignment and position are essential for effective practice and injury prevention.