Which anatomical term describes a position closest to the trunk of the body?

The anatomical term that describes a position closest to the trunk of the body is "proximal." In anatomy, the term "proximal" is used to indicate that a structure is nearer to the point of attachment or to the trunk of the body, which serves as a reference point. For example, in the limb, the shoulder is proximal to the elbow because the shoulder is closer to the trunk than the elbow is.

In contrast, "distal" refers to a position farther from the trunk or point of reference. "Lateral" describes a position that is farther from the midline of the body, while "medial" indicates a position that is closer to the midline. Understanding these terms is crucial in effectively describing the locations of various body parts in relation to one another.