What anatomical term describes a position further from the point of attachment?

The term "distal" specifically describes a position that is further away from the point of attachment of a limb or structure to the body. This term is commonly used in anatomy to indicate relative distances; for instance, in referring to the arms and legs, the hands are distal to the shoulders, and the feet are distal to the hips. Understanding this terminology is essential for accurately describing locations and relationships of various body parts, especially in fields such as anatomy, physical therapy, and Pilates, where precise movements and alignments are critical.

Knowing that a structure can be described as distal helps in visualizing or instructing movement patterns, identifying injuries, or understanding posture, which are all vital in a Pilates context. Other terms like "proximal," "medial," and "lateral" have distinct meanings; "proximal" refers to being closer to the attachment point, "medial" describes a position closer to the midline of the body, while "lateral" indicates a position further away from the midline. Thus, "distal" accurately captures the concept of distance from the attachment point in the context given.