distal

Distal is a directional term used in anatomy and related disciplines to describe a position farther from a designated reference point, typically the trunk of the body or the point of attachment of a limb. It is opposite to proximal. The term is applied to describe locations along limbs, arteries and nerves, and other structures that have a defined axis from the center of the body outward.

In clinical and anatomical contexts, distal refers to parts that are farther from the trunk than the reference point. For example, the distal phalanx is the bone at the tip of a finger; the distal end of the radius lies near the wrist, and distal fractures occur near that end. In dentistry, distal describes the surface of a tooth that faces away from the midline of the dental arch, as opposed to mesial surfaces that face toward the midline. In practice, distal designations facilitate precise communication about location, orientation, and injuries or procedures.

Etymology: the term derives from Latin distālis meaning “farthest” or “most distant,” related to distance.

The use of distal is inherently relative; without a defined reference point, the term has no meaning. It is commonly used in medicine, anatomy, dentistry, and related fields to describe spatial relationships along limbs and other structures.