What does 'proximal' refer to in anatomy?

In anatomical terminology, 'proximal' refers to a position that is closest to the point of origin or attachment of a limb or structure. This term is often used in contrast to 'distal', which indicates a position further away from the origin or attachment point. For example, in the context of the arms and legs, the shoulder is proximal to the elbow, as it is closer to the trunk of the body. Understanding this terminology is crucial in medical field discussions, as it helps in accurately describing the locations of structures and their relationships to one another in the body.