What does the term proximal refer to in anatomy?

The term proximal in anatomy signifies being toward or near the center of the body or the point of attachment of a limb to the trunk. This term is commonly used in anatomical descriptions to provide clear reference points when discussing locations of different body parts. For example, the shoulder is proximal to the elbow, meaning the shoulder is closer to where the arm attaches to the body than the elbow is.

Understanding this term is essential for effectively communicating the relative locations of injuries, surgeries, or conditions in veterinary medicine, where accurate descriptions can significantly impact diagnosis and treatment. It’s important to also grasp that this term is in direct contrast to distal, which indicates a position farther from the center or point of attachment.