What do you call the vertical line drawn from the middle of the armpit to the ankle?

The midaxillary line is defined as a vertical line that runs from the middle of the armpit, or axilla, straight down to the ankle. This anatomical landmark is important in various clinical assessments and procedures because it helps in locating structures along the lateral aspect of the body.

The midaxillary line is particularly useful when performing physical examinations, locating the lungs during auscultation, or taking measurements for certain medical interventions. It serves as a reference for identifying the areas of organs such as the heart and lungs, often useful in both emergency care and routine assessments. This line is distinct from other anatomical references such as the midline, which refers to the vertical line down the center of the body, and the midclavicular line which is a vertical line drawn from the midpoint of the clavicle. The median plane is another term to denote the central dividing line of the body into right and left halves, but it does not specifically correspond to the armpit or the lateral side.