Glossary
Appendage
An external, subsidiary part of the body that is
attached to the main body.
Proximodistal Axis
A line drawn from the distal point or end to
the proximal point or end.
In the example of a limb of a cat or a dog, the most distal point is the tip of the claw, and the most proximal point is the point of attachment of the limb to the main body of the animal.
In the example of a limb of a cat or a dog, the most distal point is the tip of the claw, and the most proximal point is the point of attachment of the limb to the main body of the animal.
Proximal
Relating to, or located
towards, the center of the main body.
In the case of an appendage, such as a limb, this is towards the point of attachment to the main body.
In the case of an appendage, such as a limb, this is towards the point of attachment to the main body.
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Distal
Located away from the centre of the main body.
In the case of an appendage, such as a limb, this is away from the point of attachment to the main body.
Distal is often used as a relative term to indicate where something is located along the proximodistal axis i.e. that it is further from, or more distant to, the centre of the body or to the point of attachment to the main body.
For example, the wrist is distal to the elbow, but proximal to the thumb.
Cf. proximal
