American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What does Distal indicate?

1. Closer to the center of the body

2. Toward the midline

3. Farther from the point of attachment

4. Toward the front of the body

The correct answer is: Farther from the point of attachment

The term "distal" is used in anatomical terminology to describe a position relative to a point of attachment or the trunk of the body. It specifically indicates something that is located farther away from this point of attachment. For example, in the context of the arm, the wrist is considered distal to the elbow because it is further away from the trunk of the body, where the limb attaches. In contrast, other terms describe positions that are closer or more central. For instance, options referring to being closer to the center of the body or toward the midline depict opposite concepts—those of proximity rather than distance. Similarly, "toward the front of the body" indicates an anterior position rather than addressing distance from a point of attachment. Understanding these directional terms is essential for accurately describing locations and orientations in anatomical contexts.