In medical terminology, what does 'distal' refer to?

In medical terminology, 'distal' describes a position that is further away from the central point of the body or the point of attachment of a limb. For example, if discussing the arm, the wrist is distal to the elbow because it is farther from the center of the body. This term is essential in anatomy and medicine for accurately describing locations, especially in relation to limbs and other structures.

The option that indicates a position closer to the core misinterprets the term 'distal.' Similarly, a description of a position that is more central also does not align with the definition, as it suggests proximity to the body’s center rather than distance from it. The option referring to a position closer to the heart is specific and relates to a central aspect of the body and doesn't capture the broader application of 'distal' across different parts of the body. Thus, 'distal' accurately reflects the concept of distance from the core or center, confirming that the correct interpretation is indeed the position further from the core.