New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

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In anatomical terms, what is the opposite of "proximal"?

Medial
Distal
Anterior
Posterior

The correct answer is: Distal

In anatomical terminology, "proximal" refers to a position that is closer to the point of attachment of a limb to the core of the body or closer to the origin of a structure. Therefore, the opposite of "proximal" is "distal," which indicates a position that is farther away from the point of attachment or the core of the body. For example, in terms of the arm, the shoulder is proximal to the elbow, while the hand is distal to the elbow. Understanding this relationship is crucial in anatomy and medical contexts, as it helps healthcare professionals communicate effectively about locations on the body and various medical conditions related to those areas. The other terms—medial, anterior, and posterior—refer to different anatomical orientations and do not denote the opposite of "proximal."