Which term best describes movements that are directed away from the midline of the body?

The term that best describes movements directed away from the midline of the body is "lateral." Lateral movements involve the body's segments moving outward, moving further away from the central axis or midline. For example, when you raise your arms sideways to shoulder level, you are performing a lateral movement.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different aspects of movement: "medial" denotes movements toward the midline, while "anterolateral" and "posteromedial" describe more complex directions combining anterior and lateral or posterior and medial movements, respectively. Understanding these directional terms is crucial in anatomy and sports medicine, as they help clarify movements necessary for different physical activities and rehabilitation exercises.