laterales

Laterales is the plural form of lateral in Spanish, used to refer to elements located at the sides of an object, body, or system. Etymologically, it derives from Latin latus, meaning “side.” The term is used across disciplines with context-specific meanings.

In anatomy and medicine, the phrase “músculos laterales” or “paredes laterales” describes structures situated on the body’s sides, as opposed to medial or central elements. Examples include the lateral abdominal muscles and other side regions of the torso or limbs. In a broader sense, anything located toward the side of a reference axis can be described as lateral or laterales.

In sports, particularly football (soccer) in Spanish-speaking contexts, “los laterales” are the players who operate on the left and right flanks. They defend the outer channels and provide width in attack, often delivering crosses or supporting wide play. Modern deployments may use wing-backs who perform both defensive and advanced roles along the sidelines.

In architecture and ecclesiastical contexts, “laterales” can denote side elements of a structure, such as las capillas laterales (side chapels) along a nave or the lateral walls of a building. These components contribute to the spatial organization and acoustic or visual dynamics of the architecture.

In botany and horticulture, “ramas laterales” or “tallos laterales” refer to side branches or shoots that emanate from the main stem, growing outward from the central axis.

Because of its generic sense, the precise meaning of laterales depends on the field and context.