distal Hear it!

distal Definition

dis·tal (dis′təl)

adjective

Anat. farthest from the center or the point of attachment or origin; terminal

Etymology: dist(ant) + -al: formed in contrast to proximal

distal Related Forms

dis′·tally adverb

distal Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • tubule: The next portion of the tubule is the loop of Henle, which leads to the distal convoluted tubule.
  • ileum: The section most commonly affected is the distal ileum.
  • phalanx: Release of the FDL tendon from the distal phalanx may produce a marginal improvement in results.
  • tibia: No complications were seen from the donor site or from the osteotomy site on the distal tibia.
  • pancreatectomy: The mean operative time for all the patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy was 4 hours, ranging from 3 to 5 hours.
  • humerus: There is a growth of bone on the distal left humerus measuring 6mm wide and 7 mm high.

Modifying Another Word

just: The distribution of these glands is mostly proximal to the ampulla of Vater, with most of them being just distal to the pylorus.

Used with adjective complement

lie: On examination, there is tenderness about the scapholunate interval, which lies just distal to the Lister tubercle.