The directional terms describing the relationship of the elbow to the shoulder are proximal and distal.
Understanding Proximal and Distal
- Proximal: This term indicates a position closer to the point of attachment or the body's center. In this case, the elbow is distal to the shoulder. Think of it as the elbow being further away from the torso compared to the shoulder.
- Distal: This term describes a location further away from the point of attachment or the body's center. Therefore, the shoulder is proximal to the elbow. The shoulder is closer to the torso.
The reference material defines proximal and distal in relation to a point of attachment. Using the shoulder as the point of reference, the elbow is further away, making it distal. Conversely, the shoulder is closer to the point of attachment (the torso) making it proximal to the elbow.
Using these terms correctly helps in precise anatomical descriptions and avoids confusion when discussing body positioning.
