Which term describes a structure that is closer to the point of attachment?

• A. Medial
• B. Midline
• C. Proximal
• D. Lateral Recumbent

Answer: (C)

Proximal is the term used to describe a structure that is closer to where a limb attaches to the body. It means nearer to the trunk or point of origin. For example, the thigh is proximal to the knee, and the upper arm is proximal to the elbow. This contrasts with distal, which means farther from that attachment point. Medial and midline relate to being toward the body's midline, not proximity to the attachment point, and lateral recumbent is a patient position (lying on the side), not a descriptor of location relative to attachment. Therefore, proximal best describes being closer to where the limb attaches.