Which term means closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk?

• A. Medial
• B. Distal
• C. Lateral
• D. Proximal

Answer: (D)

In anatomy, proximal describes a position closer to where a limb attaches to the body trunk or to the body’s origin. This means parts near the shoulder or hip are proximal to those farther away toward the hands or feet. For example, the proximal humerus is near the shoulder, and the proximal end of the femur is near the hip. The opposite term, distal, refers to parts farther from the trunk. Medial and lateral describe position relative to the midline of the body, not distance to the attachment point. So the term meaning closer to the origin or attachment is proximal.