Proximal

Proximal: An anatomical direction that refers to a location or structure that is closer to the center of the body. For example, the shoulder joint is located on the proximal end of the arm, and the hip joint is located on the proximal end of the leg. It may be helpful to think of "proximal" as referring to "in close proximity to the center."

The opposite of proximal:

• Distal

For more information on the anatomical directions, check out

• Lesson 1: Anatomical Position and Anatomical Directions

Examples of proximal used in practice:

• Proximal attachments are most of the "origin" of a muscle, and "distal" attachments are most often the "insertion" of a muscle.
• "Proximal stabilization before distal mobilization" suggests that "core stability" needs to precede extremity strength.
• A "proximal hamstring tear" occurs at the end of the hamstring closest to the hip.