What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
proximal
Example
The proximal end of the femur connects to the hip joint. [proximal: adjective]
Example
The doctor examined the wound on the proximal part of the arm. [proximal: noun]
medial
Example
The medial side of the knee was injured during the game. [medial: adjective]
Example
The surgeon made an incision along the medial aspect of the thigh. [medial: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Medial is more commonly used than proximal in medical and anatomical contexts. However, both words are relatively specialized and may not be commonly used outside of these fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between proximal and medial?
Both proximal and medial are formal terms used in technical and scientific contexts, particularly in anatomy and medicine. They are less likely to be used in casual or everyday conversation.
