Distal (Adjective)

Meaning ¹

Directed away from the midline or mesial plane of the body.

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The distal end of the femur forms the knee joint with the tibia and patella.
• The distal phalanges are the bones at the tips of the fingers and toes.
• The distal portion of the radius bone in the forearm articulates with the ulna and the carpals.
• The distal part of the small intestine is where most of the nutrient absorption takes place.
• The distal segments of the limbs are the parts farthest from the body's midline.

Antonyms

• Mesial

Meaning ²

Situated farthest from point of attachment or origin, as of a limb or bone.

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The distal end of the femur forms the knee joint with the tibia.
• The distal phalanges are the bones at the tips of the fingers and toes.
• The surgeon carefully examined the distal portion of the broken arm to assess the extent of the damage.
• The distal muscles of the forearm are responsible for finger movement and grip strength.
• The distal segment of the humerus is the part of the upper arm bone that connects to the elbow joint.

Antonyms

• Proximal