In relation to each other, the foot is _________ to the heart, and the hips are _________ to the heart.

• A. inferior; superior
• B. proximal; distal
• C. distal; proximal
• D. medial; medial

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the anatomical terms used to describe relative positions in the body. 'Distal' means farther from the point of attachment or origin, while 'proximal' means closer to the point of attachment or origin.
2. Step 2: Identify the reference point in the problem, which is the heart. The heart is located in the thoracic cavity, near the center of the body.
3. Step 3: Determine the position of the foot relative to the heart. Since the foot is located at the end of the lower limb, it is farther away from the heart, making it 'distal' to the heart.
4. Step 4: Determine the position of the hips relative to the heart. The hips are closer to the torso and thus closer to the heart compared to the foot, making the hips 'proximal' to the heart.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the foot is distal to the heart, and the hips are proximal to the heart, matching the correct answer choice.