Proximal

Proximal means nearer to the center (trunk of the body) or to the point of attachment to the body. If another reference point is given, such as the heart, the proximal point of another organ or extremity is the point closest to the heart, central rather than peripheral.

Proximal is the opposite of distal.

Open References

References

Taber's Medical Dictionary Online website. www.tabers.com/tabersonline. Accessed March 7, 2019.

Anatomical landmarks - back view - illustration
There are three body views (front, back and side) that may be helpful if you are uncertain of a body area. Many areas are referred to by both descriptive and technical names. For example, the back of the knee is called the popliteal fossa. However, areas like the flank may not have both names, so the location may be unclear.
Anatomical landmarks - back view
illustration
Anatomical landmarks - front view - illustration
There are three body views (front, back and side) that may be helpful if you are uncertain of a body area. Many areas are referred to by both descriptive and technical names. For example, the back of the knee is called the popliteal fossa. However, areas like the flank may not have both names, so the location may be unclear.
Anatomical landmarks - front view
illustration

Anatomical landmarks - back view - illustration
There are three body views (front, back and side) that may be helpful if you are uncertain of a body area. Many areas are referred to by both descriptive and technical names. For example, the back of the knee is called the popliteal fossa. However, areas like the flank may not have both names, so the location may be unclear.
Anatomical landmarks - back view
illustration
Anatomical landmarks - front view - illustration
There are three body views (front, back and side) that may be helpful if you are uncertain of a body area. Many areas are referred to by both descriptive and technical names. For example, the back of the knee is called the popliteal fossa. However, areas like the flank may not have both names, so the location may be unclear.
Anatomical landmarks - front view
illustration

Review Date: 2/7/2019

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Proximal

Peripheral

Distal

References

Anatomical landmarks - back view - illustration

Anatomical landmarks - back view

Anatomical landmarks - front view - illustration

Anatomical landmarks - front view

Anatomical landmarks - back view - illustration

Anatomical landmarks - back view

Anatomical landmarks - front view - illustration

Anatomical landmarks - front view

Proximal

Peripheral

Distal

References

Anatomical landmarks - back view - illustration

Anatomical landmarks - back view

Anatomical landmarks - front view - illustration

Anatomical landmarks - front view

Anatomical landmarks - back view - illustration

Anatomical landmarks - back view

Anatomical landmarks - front view - illustration

Anatomical landmarks - front view

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