What is the anatomical term for the position meaning 'nearest'?

The term that signifies 'nearest' in anatomical language is proximal. This term is often used in reference to the limbs or other structures of the body, indicating a position that is closer to the point of attachment or to the trunk of the body. For example, when discussing the arm, the elbow is proximal to the wrist because it is closer to where the arm connects to the shoulder.

In contrast, distal indicates a position that is further away from the trunk or point of attachment, which is why it is not the correct choice in this case. Dorsal refers to the back or upper side of an organism, while ventral refers to the belly or underside, neither of which convey the idea of proximity in the same way that proximal does. Understanding these terms is essential for accurately describing the relative positions of structures within the body.