Which statement is correct? - The hip is proximal to the knee - The knee is distal to the ankle - The knee is proximal to hip - The shoulder is distal to wrist

Which statement is correct? 
- The hip is proximal to the knee
- The knee is distal to the ankle
- The knee is proximal to hip
- The shoulder is distal to wrist

Answer

In anatomical terminology, 'proximal' means closer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body, while 'distal' means farther away from the point of attachment or the trunk. 1) The hip is closer to the trunk than the knee, so the hip is proximal to the knee. This statement is correct. 2) The knee is closer to the trunk than the ankle, making the knee proximal to the ankle, not distal. 3) The knee is farther from the trunk than the hip, so the knee is distal to the hip, not proximal. 4) The shoulder is closer to the trunk than the wrist, making the shoulder proximal to the wrist, not distal. Therefore, the only correct statement is 'The hip is proximal to the knee.'