Distally: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 'Distally' comes from the Latin word 'distalis,' which means 'far off' or 'remote.'
• The prefix 'dis-' often signifies separation or distance in various words.
• In medical terminology, it is used to describe positions of limbs relative to the center of the body.

Anatomy

• In human anatomy, the hand is 'distal' to the elbow, meaning it's further away from the center of the body.
• Distal areas generally have less blood flow compared to proximal areas, which can affect healing.
• In veterinary medicine, understanding distal versus proximal is crucial for diagnosing animal injuries.

Science

• In biology, 'distal' is used to explain the placement of structures on organisms, affecting their movement and function.
• The concept of distally positioned limbs in evolutionary biology helps interpret adaptations in various species.
• Research on nervous system connections often describes how signals travel distally from the brain to limbs.

Cultural References

• In art, the term might refer to depictions or models that explore distant perspectives or backgrounds.
• The idea of 'distal' can connect to themes in literature about separation and longing, as seen in romantic poetry.
• Yoga often discusses 'distal' areas when focusing on stretching limbs and understanding body alignment.

Psychology

• In psychology, perception of space can influence how we understand concepts of distance and distance relationships.
• The 'distal stimulus' in perception theory refers to the actual object in the environment, as opposed to the proximal stimulus which is what our senses perceive.
• Research in child development studies how children learn to understand concepts of near and distant through play.

With rank #18,063, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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