In anatomical terms, what does “distal” imply?

The term "distal" in anatomical terminology specifically refers to a location that is further away from the center of the body or the trunk. In the context of the body's structure, when something is described as distal, it indicates that the part is situated farther away from the point of attachment or a reference point, such as a limb's trunk. For instance, the fingers are distal to the wrist, meaning that they are located further from the trunk of the body than the wrist is.

Understanding this term is important for clear communication within the fields of anatomy and physical therapy, as it helps professionals describe locations of injuries, conditions or treatment areas with precision. The other options, while they may touch on concepts of location and direction, do not accurately capture the meaning of "distal" as it pertains to anatomical terminology.