EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Proximal means nearer to the center (trunk of the body) or to the point of attachment to the body. If another reference point is given, such as the heart, the proximal point of another organ or extremity is the point closest to the heart, central rather than peripheral. Proximal is the opposite of distal.

Detailed explanation-2: -In medicine, refers to a part of the body that is closer to the center of the body than another part. For example, the knee is proximal to the toes. The opposite is distal.

Detailed explanation-3: -Proximal-toward or nearest the trunk or the point of origin of a part (example, the proximal end of the femur joins with the pelvic bone). Distal-away from or farthest from the trunk or the point or origin of a part (example, the hand is located at the distal end of the forearm).

Detailed explanation-4: -The wrist is proximal to the hand, as the wrist is closer to the trunk than the hand. The elbow is proximal to the wrist, as the elbow is closer to the trunk than the wrist. The shoulder is proximal to the elbow, as the shoulder is closer to the trunk than the elbow.

Detailed explanation-5: -Superficial describes a position closer to the surface of the body. The skin is superficial to the bones. Deep describes a position farther from the surface of the body.