Skip to content

CCMA Prep Get the app

distal

Medical term Medical Terminology

Farther from the point where a limb attaches to the trunk.

Example: The fingers are distal to the wrist.

Sources

Anatomy and Physiology 2e, Chapter 1 Key Terms · OpenStax
Distal (Medical Encyclopedia) · MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine
Proximal (Medical Encyclopedia) · MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

Related terms

anteriorToward the front of the body; also called ventral.
contralateralOn the opposite side of the body.
deepFarther from the surface of the body.
diaphoresisHeavy sweating.
dysphoniaHoarseness or difficulty producing the voice.
dyspneaDifficult or labored breathing; shortness of breath.
dysuriaPainful or uncomfortable urination.
ecchymosisA bruise: bleeding under the skin that causes discoloration.

Study Medical Terminology