ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site proximal PROXIMAL – used to described a part of the body nearer to the midline than another part. Thus the elbow is proximal to the wrist. DISTAL – the opposite of proximal. The ankle is distal to the knee. In anatomy, nearer to the root or head of a structure such as a limb. From the Latin proxime, "nearest". For example, the proximal end of the femur is part of the hip joint, and the shoulder is proximal to the elbow. The opposite of proximal is distal. See also surface anatomy. Related category    • ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP