The term "distal" refers to a position that is farther away from the center of the body or a specific point of reference. In anatomy, it is often used to describe locations on limbs. For example, the fingers are distal to the wrist, meaning they are located further from the body's core. In contrast, "proximal" describes something that is closer to the center or point of reference. Understanding these terms is essential in fields like medicine and biology, where precise descriptions of body parts, such as the arm or leg, are necessary for effective communication and treatment.