distal Definition
- 1situated away from the center of the body or from the point of attachment
- 2relating to or denoting parts of a structure that are further from the center or from the main part
Using distal: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "distal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The distal end of the femur is located near the knee joint.
Example
The distal phalanx is the bone at the tip of the finger.
Example
The distal radius is one of the two bones in the forearm.
Example
The distal convoluted tubule is a part of the nephron in the kidney.
distal Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with distal
Example
The distal esophagus is often affected by acid reflux.
Example
A distal radius fracture is a common injury in older adults.
a type of nerve damage that affects the peripheral nerves responsible for sensation in the hands and feet
Example
Distal sensory neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes.
Origins of distal
from Latin 'distare', meaning 'stand apart'
Summary: distal in Brief
'Distal' [ˈdɪstl] describes a position that is situated away from the center of the body or from the point of attachment. It is used to denote parts of a structure that are further from the center or from the main part. Examples include the distal end of the femur, the distal phalanx, and the distal radius. The term is also used in medical contexts such as distal esophagus, distal radius fracture, and distal sensory neuropathy.
