Proximal
Proximalis
Definition
The term proximal is used to describe location of a structure or a body part closer to the trunk or near its origin. This is contrary to the term ‘distal’ which refers to part of the body being farthest from the trunk or from its origin.
For example, the quadriceps muscles in the anterior thigh are attached at their origin to the hip bone proximally, while they insert into the upper end of tibia distally. Similarly, the femur articulates with the hip bon proximally (closer to the trunk or axial body) while it articulates with the tibia distally (away from the trunk or axial body).
References
Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.
Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 1: The Body’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 6.
SEER Training Modules, Intro to the Human Body, Anatomical Terminology. U. S. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. February 2nd, 2023 < https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/body/terminology.html>
