Lateral
1. In anatomy, the side of the body or a body part that is farther from the middle or center of the body. Typically, lateral refers to the outer side of the body part, but it is also used to refer to the side of a body part. For example, when referring to the knee, lateral refers to the side of the knee farthest from the opposite knee. The opposite of lateral is medial.
2. In radiology, slang for a lateral X-ray.
For a more complete listing of terms used in medicine for spatial orientation, please see the entry to “Anatomic Orientation Terms”.
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The meniscus is a c-shaped cartilage pad between the two joints formed by the femur and tibia. The meniscus acts as a smooth surface for the joint to move on. The knee joint is surrounded by fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which serve as gliding surfaces that reduce friction of the tendons. Below the kneecap, there […]
- Lateral meniscus of the knee
A thickened crescent-shaped cartilage pad in the outer portion of the joint formed by the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). The lateral meniscus acts as a smooth surface for the joint to move on. The lateral meniscus is toward the outer side of the knee joint. It serves to evenly load the […]
- Lateral ventricle
A communicating cavity in the brain that is part of a system of four communicating cavities that are continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord. The two lateral ventricles are located in the cerebral hemispheres, one in each hemisphere. Each consists of a triangular central body and four horns. The third and fourth […]
- Lateral X-ray
An X-ray taken from the side of the patient.
- Latham bowl
red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets. Developed by Allen (Jack) Latham Jr. who had grown up on a farm, so the design “was like a milk separator.” The Latham bowl revolutionalized the way blood was collected and processed.