How does the term "distal" apply to the fingers?

The term "distal" refers to a position that is farther away from the point of origin or attachment in a limb. In the context of the fingers and the wrist, the wrist serves as the point of attachment for the hand. Since the fingers extend from the hand away from the wrist, they are described as being distal to the wrist. This anatomical terminology helps to clearly define the relationship between body parts and is crucial for accurately describing locations and movements in the body.

The other options describe positions relative to the wrist but do not appropriately characterize the relationship of the fingers to the wrist. Proximal would indicate that the fingers are closer to the wrist, which is not accurate. Lateral pertains to a position away from the midline, and medial refers to a position closer to the midline, neither of which accurately captures the distance relationship involved when comparing the fingers to the wrist.