Which term refers to a position that is away from the origin or point of attachment?

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The term that refers to a position that is away from the origin or point of attachment is "distal." In anatomical terminology, "distal" is used to indicate that something is farther from a specific reference point, typically used in relation to the limbs of the body. For example, when considering the arm, the fingers are distal to the elbow, meaning the fingers are located further away from the body’s trunk than the elbow is.

This distinction is important for understanding the relationships between different parts of the body, particularly in clinical settings where precise communication about locations is critical. For example, knowing that a wound on the forearm is distal to the elbow can inform treatment decisions and clarify where exactly the injury occurs in relation to other structures.

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