What does "medial" indicate in anatomical terms?

In anatomical terminology, "medial" specifically refers to a position that is situated in the middle or closer to the midline of the body. This term is used to describe the relative location of structures in relation to the midline, which divides the body into equal left and right halves. For example, the nose is medial to the ears, indicating that it is positioned nearer to the center of the face when compared to the ears. This concept is foundational in anatomy, helping to precisely convey locations and relationships of various body parts in a clear and consistent manner.