Medial is best defined as:

The term "medial" is an anatomical directional term used to describe the position of a structure in relation to the midline of the body. It indicates that a particular body part is located closer to the midline than another structure. For example, the nose is medial to the eyes because it is situated closer to the central axis of the body. This term is essential for accurately describing the locations of body parts in relation to one another, particularly in fields such as medicine and sports science, where precise communication is vital for diagnosis and treatment. Understanding these terms helps professionals in effectively conveying information about anatomy and injury management.