The term ‘lateral’ is used to describe something that is situated at the side or is directed toward the side.
In anatomy and everyday usage, lateral refers to a position away from the midline of the body. For instance, if you were to stand and extend your arms out to the sides, your arms would be in a lateral position compared to your torso.
In more general contexts, lateral can refer to movement or alignment that is horizontal rather than vertical, meaning it occurs from one side to the other. For example, in sports, a lateral pass in football means throwing the ball parallel to the ground sideways rather than forward or backward.
Understanding lateral direction helps us navigate physical spaces, communicate effectively in various fields, and accurately describe positions and movements in relation to other objects or structures.