Which term describes a position closer to the trunk of the body (opposite of distal)?

Which term describes a position closer to the trunk of the body (opposite of distal)?

• A. Proximal
• B. Distal
• C. Superior
• D. Inferior

Answer: (A)

Proximal is the term for a position closer to the trunk or the point where a limb attaches to the body. It’s used to compare locations along a limb, moving from the center outward. Distal is the opposite: farther from the trunk. For example, the elbow is proximal to the wrist, and the knee is proximal to the ankle. Those terms focus on distance from the body’s center, not up or down. In contrast, superior means toward the head and inferior means toward the feet, which describe vertical position rather than closeness to the trunk. So, describing a point as closer to the trunk fits proximal.

Proximal is the term for a position closer to the trunk or the point where a limb attaches to the body. It’s used to compare locations along a limb, moving from the center outward. Distal is the opposite: farther from the trunk. For example, the elbow is proximal to the wrist, and the knee is proximal to the ankle. Those terms focus on distance from the body’s center, not up or down. In contrast, superior means toward the head and inferior means toward the feet, which describe vertical position rather than closeness to the trunk. So, describing a point as closer to the trunk fits proximal.