What does the term "distal" refer to regarding body parts?

The term "distal" is used in anatomical terminology to describe a position relative to the point of attachment of a limb or structure. When a body part is said to be distal, it is located further away from the trunk or the point where the limb attaches to the body. For example, the fingers are distal to the wrist, as they are farther from the body's core. This concept is important in fields such as anatomy and medicine because it helps in accurately describing the locations of various structures in relation to one another, especially in the context of diagnosing issues or performing medical procedures. The understanding of this term is key to effective communication in the biological sciences and healthcare, where precision is crucial.