Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The terms proximal (from Latin proximus 'nearest') and distal (from Latin distare 'to stand away from') are used to describe parts of a feature that are close to or distant from the main mass of the body, respectively. [29]
The terms proximal and distal are used in structures that are considered to have a beginning and an end (such as the upper limb, lower limb and blood vessels). They describe the position of a structure with reference to its origin – proximal means closer to its origin, distal means further away.
A simple way to remember distal and proximal is to associate proximal with “proximity” (closeness) and distal with “distance” (farther away). Think of proximal as being “in proximity” to the body’s center or point of attachment, while distal is at a distance from it.
In simple terms, proximal means that one thing is closer to the center than another, and distal implies that one thing is further away from the center. Proximal = nearest to, closest to, or in proximity to (closest to the center of the body or torso)
If you’re at a clinical experience or even working a nursing shift, you need to understand the key differences between the terms proximal and distal to provide life-saving care in certain circumstances. Here are two examples to help you better understand how to use these terms.
Proximal describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The brachium is proximal to the antebrachium. Distal describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The crus is distal to the femur.
Proximal, Distal, Superficial, Deep. These next terms are used when referring to either appendicular parts of the body (arms and legs) or position in body relative to the external surface. These are proximal, distal, superficial, and deep.
Proximal and distal refer to how close a structure is to the trunk (normally in reference to limbs) or how close a structure is to its origin (Distal structures are more Disant from the main structure).
Proximal/Distal–Equivalent to near and far. Usually used to orient the positions of structures and features along the limbs with respect to the trunk of the body. A feature that is proximal to something else is closer to the limb’s point of attachment to the trunk.
Such terms include posterior or dorsal, which means towards the back of the body, or proximal and distal, which describe how close or far away something is, respectively. The standard anatomical position creates clear points of reference which help to avoid confusion when using anatomical terms.