What does “distal” refer to in anatomical terms?

In anatomical terminology, "distal" is used to describe a position that is farther from a point of attachment or the origin of a limb. This term is commonly applied in discussions of the extremities, where, for example, the fingers are referred to as distal to the wrist, indicating that they are located further away from the body's core than the wrist.

Using this context, it’s clear that the term distinguishes between proximity and distance relative to the body's central axis or a given reference point, thereby making it essential for accurately describing the spatial relationships between various body parts. Understanding the concept of "distal" helps in effectively conveying the positions and orientations of structures within the human body.