Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

What does the term "proximal" indicate in directional terms?

1. Farther from the center of the body

2. Closer to the center of the body

3. At the surface of the body

4. Adjacent to another body part

The correct answer is: Closer to the center of the body

The term "proximal" is used in anatomical and directional terminology to indicate a location that is closer to the point of attachment or to the center of the body. This term is especially relevant when discussing the limbs or extremities where understanding the relative position of structures is crucial. For example, the shoulder is proximal to the elbow, meaning it is closer to where the limb attaches to the body trunk. The other terms describe different positional relationships. "Farther from the center of the body" refers to a distal position, which is the opposite of proximal. "At the surface of the body" describes a superficial position, while "adjacent to another body part" pertains more generally to proximity without the specific context of distance from the center. Therefore, the definition of "proximal" as meaning "closer to the center of the body" is accurate and aligns with anatomical terminology.