What does "distal" refer to in relation to anatomical orientation?

In anatomical terminology, "distal" refers to a position that is further away from the torso or the body’s trunk. This term is often used in relation to limbs and their segments; for example, the fingers are distal to the wrist, meaning they are further from the point of attachment to the torso. This understanding is crucial in the field of anatomy and helps in identifying the location of injuries or conditions relative to other structures in the body.

The other choices in the question describe different positional relationships but do not accurately convey the meaning of "distal." For instance, being closer to the torso would be termed "proximal," while proximity to the midline refers to terms such as "medial" and "lateral." Understanding these terms allows first responders to communicate effectively about body parts and their relationships to one another during assessments and emergencies.