What does the term “distal” mean in anatomical terms?

The term "distal" is used in anatomical terminology to refer to a position that is away from a specific point of reference, typically the trunk of the body or the point of attachment of a limb. In contrast to proximal, which indicates a position closer to the trunk or point of attachment, distal identifies structures that are located further away. For example, in the context of the arm, the fingers are distal to the elbow, meaning they are farther away from the body’s center. This understanding is fundamental when discussing the location of injuries, surgeries, or anatomical structures in relation to one another.