What is the meaning of 'distal' in relation to the body?

The term 'distal' is used in anatomical terminology to describe a position that is farther from the torso or the point of origin of a limb or structure. This is particularly significant when discussing the limbs of the body; for example, the fingers are distal to the wrist, as they are further away from the center of the body. In contrast, 'proximal' is the term used to denote structures that are closer to the torso or point of attachment. Understanding these directional terms is essential for accurately describing locations and relationships within the body, which is critical knowledge in emergency medical procedures and anatomy for effective communication and assessment in clinical settings.