Which term describes movement in both the posterior and lateral directions?

The term that describes movement in both the posterior and lateral directions is "posterolateral." This term can be broken down into its components: "poster" refers to the back or behind, indicating a movement towards the posterior aspect of the body, while "lateral" refers to the side, indicating movement away from the midline of the body. Therefore, when combined, "posterolateral" clearly conveys a movement that goes towards the back and to the side.

Understanding anatomical terminology is essential, as it allows for precise descriptions of movement and position. In contrast, the other terms have different meanings. "Anterolateral" describes movement towards the front and to the side, not backward. "Posteromedial" indicates a movement towards the back and towards the midline, which combines posterior movement but restricts lateral movement. "Medial" denotes movement towards the midline, which excludes both posterior and lateral directions. Each of these alternatives highlights a different aspect of movement, clarifying why "posterolateral" is the correct choice.