In anatomical directional terms used for limbs, what does proximal mean?

• A. Closer to the point of attachment or origin of the limb (nearer the trunk)
• B. Toward the midline of the body
• C. Farther from the point of attachment or origin of the limb (farther from the trunk)
• D. Toward the back (posterior) side of the body

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that anatomical directional terms describe locations or positions of body parts relative to each other, especially in limbs.
2. Recognize that 'proximal' is a term used specifically to describe a position on a limb relative to its point of attachment to the trunk of the body.
3. Recall that 'proximal' means closer to the point where the limb attaches to the trunk, so it indicates a position nearer to the main body mass.
4. Contrast 'proximal' with 'distal,' which means farther from the point of attachment or origin of the limb, i.e., farther from the trunk.
5. Therefore, the correct interpretation of 'proximal' in anatomical terms for limbs is 'closer to the point of attachment or origin of the limb (nearer the trunk)'.