"Distal" is a term used in anatomy to describe a position that is farther away from the center of the body or a specific point of reference. For example, the fingers are distal to the wrist, meaning they are located further from the body's core. This term helps in understanding the relative locations of different body parts. In contrast, the term "proximal" refers to parts that are closer to the center. Understanding these terms is essential in fields like medicine and biology, as they provide clarity when discussing the anatomy of organisms, including humans and other animals, such as dogs or cats.