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.

What is proximal and example?

Proximal: Toward the beginning, the nearer of two (or more) items. For example, the proximal end of the femur is part of the hip joint, and the shoulder is proximal to the elbow.

What is the best definition of proximal?

1 : situated close to : proximate. 2 : next to or nearest the point of attachment or origin, a central point, or the point of view especially : located toward the center of the body — compare distal. 3 : of, relating to, or being the mesial and distal surfaces of a tooth.