In the context of anatomy, what does the term 'distal' indicate?

The term 'distal' is used in anatomy to describe a position that is further away from the point of attachment of a limb or structure. For instance, when discussing the arm, the wrist is considered distal to the elbow because it is farther from where the arm connects to the body. This terminology helps in accurately describing locations and relationships of different body parts, which is crucial for effective communication in medical and anatomical discussions. The opposite term, 'proximal', indicates the closest point to the attachment, making 'distal' appropriately aligned with the concept of being the furthest point of attachment.