Proximal means nearer to the center (trunk of the body) or to
the point of attachment to the body. If another reference point
is given, such as the heart, the proximal point of another organ
or extremity is the point closest to the heart -- central rather
than peripheral. Proximal is the opposite of distal. Linda J.
Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic
Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant
Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of
Medicine, University of Washington. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M.
Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD,
MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.