Is transverse synonym of lateral?

Question

Longitudinal axis (x) is the axis orthogonal to its lateral directions (y and z), but what is transverse direction? Is transverse just another term for lateral?

Answer 1

The terms lateral and transverse often get mixed up, because they can refer to the same thing, although this is not necessary.

To my understanding any lateral is transverse but the opposite is not necessarily true.

Transverse axis is any axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis

Lateral axis (to my understanding/how I'd use it) implies being to the side, so in a sense it accounts for gravity. So Lateral axis describes an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal and its also perpendicular to the gravity axis (parallel to the horizontal plane).

1. Movements of blocks.

1.1. Block moving horizontally

for the following example:

• The longitudinal axis is along the direction of movement so its parallel to X.
• Y an Z can be both termed transverse axis.
• Z can be termed lateral axis

1.2Mass moving vertically

for the following example:

• Again The longitudinal axis is along the direction of movement so its parallel to Y.
• X and Z can be both termed transverse axis
• X and Z can be termed lateral axis (this is a singularity)

1.3. mass moving on an incline

In the following example

• Again the longitudinal axis is along the direction of movement so its none of the XYZ
• Y can be termed transverse axis
• Y can be termed lateral axis

2. Forces

With forces -in my personal experience- there is usually less confusion .

• Transverse forces: refer to any force perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
• Lateral forces: refer to any force perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and parallel to horizontal plane

So in the following example:

• Transverse forces are: Radial force and lateral force
• Lateral forces are: well... the lateral force

Answer 2

Analogous, but not synonymous - typically used in reference to human bodies and aircraft respectively