Which term describes a structure closer to the midline of the body?

The term that describes a structure closer to the midline of the body is "medial." In anatomical terminology, "medial" refers to positions that are nearer to the center of the body or the median plane that divides the body into left and right halves. This is an important concept in understanding body orientation, as it helps to specify the relative locations of various structures or injuries in relation to one another.

In contrast, "lateral" describes positions that are farther away from the midline, "distal" indicates a part that is farther away from the trunk or point of attachment, and "proximal" describes a part that is closer to the trunk or point of attachment. Understanding these terms is crucial for accurate communication in medical and anatomical contexts.