Which statement correctly uses anatomical directional terms related to body sides?

• A. The heart is lateral to the lungs.
• B. The heart is contralateral to the lungs.
• C. The heart is ipsilateral to both lungs.
• D. The heart is medial to the lungs.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the anatomical directional terms involved. 'Lateral' means away from the midline of the body, 'medial' means toward the midline, 'contralateral' means on the opposite side of the body, and 'ipsilateral' means on the same side of the body.
2. Step 2: Identify the position of the heart and lungs in the body. The heart is located near the midline of the thoracic cavity, while the lungs are positioned on either side of the heart.
3. Step 3: Analyze the relationship between the heart and the lungs using the terms. Since the heart is closer to the midline than the lungs, it is medial to the lungs, not lateral.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the terms 'contralateral' and 'ipsilateral' in this context. The heart is a single organ near the midline, so it cannot be contralateral or ipsilateral to both lungs simultaneously, as those terms refer to sides of the body.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct anatomical directional term describing the heart's position relative to the lungs is 'medial,' meaning the heart is medial to the lungs.