"Lateral" refers to a position or movement that is situated at the side of something. In anatomy, it describes structures that are farther from the midline of the body. For example, the arms are lateral to the chest, meaning they are located on the sides of the body. In sports and physical activities, lateral movements involve side-to-side actions. This can include exercises like lateral lunges or shuffles, which help improve agility and balance. Understanding lateral movement is essential in various fields, including athletics and physical therapy, as it enhances overall body coordination.