In anatomical terms, what does a distal attachment refer to?

In anatomical terminology, the term "distal attachment" refers to a point that is farther away from the center of the body or from the point of attachment of a limb. When considering muscles, the distal attachment is where the muscle ends, typically on the bone or structure that is influenced by the muscle's contraction. This position allows for movement and function as the muscle exerts force on the distal attachment point.

In contrast, the proximal attachment would refer to the part of the muscle that is closer to the body or the center of a limb, which is often the origin of the muscle. Understanding these terms is essential for grasping the mechanics of movement in relation to anatomical positions and muscle function.