What does "proximal" mean in anatomy?

In anatomical terminology, "proximal" refers to a position that is closer to the trunk or the point of attachment of a limb. This term is frequently used in comparison to "distal," which indicates a position farther from the trunk. For example, if considering the arm, the shoulder is proximal to the elbow, meaning the shoulder is closer to the main body structure than the elbow.

Understanding this term is essential, especially when describing the locations of various body parts or when discussing medical conditions related to specific areas of the body. In the context of the options provided, the concept of proximity inherently relates to the relative distances between parts of the body, making "closer to the trunk" the accurate definition of "proximal."