New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

Which term is used to describe movement away from the midline of the body?

1. Medial

2. Distal

3. Lateral

4. Posterior

The correct answer is: Lateral

The term used to describe movement away from the midline of the body is "lateral." In anatomical terminology, the midline is the imaginary vertical line that divides the body into equal right and left halves. When a body part moves away from this midline, it is referred to as moving laterally. For example, when you raise your arms to the side, they are moving laterally away from the midline of your body. Understanding this term is important in fields like anatomy and emergency medical services because it helps describe the positions and movements of various body parts clearly. This precise language is critical when assessing patient conditions or explaining procedures among healthcare professionals.