Definition of Distal

The distal region of an appendage is the part of the appendage that is farthest from the body of the organism. For example, when describing a scorpion, a biologist might say "The distal region of the pedipalp ends in a large chela.".

Emperor Scorpion - Pandinus imperator. The large chelae at the distal end of the pedipalps are clearly visible.

Related terms

• Chelae
• Costa
• Cuneus
• Dorsal
• Lateral
• Pedipalps
• Ventral

Related groups of terms

• General biology
• Invertebrate body structure

See other words beginning with D