proximal

adj. closest, nearest, next; approximate

In sciences dealing with the anatomy of animals, precise anatomical terms of location are necessary for a variety of reasons. Non-scientists often wonder why zoological and human anatomists use complex terminology to describe locations on a body, when common terms like "up", "down", "top" and "bottom" could be used instead.
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Adjective
1. situated nearest to point of attachment or origin; "the proximal end of a bone"
(antonym) distal
(classification) anatomy, general anatomy

adj. proximal, closest, nearest, next; approximate

(a.)
Toward or nearest, as to a body, or center of motion of dependence; proximate.
  

(a.)
Situated near the point of attachment or origin; as, the proximal part of a limb.
  

(a.)
Of or pertaining to that which is proximal; as, the proximal bones of a limb. Opposed to distal.