What term describes the orientation further from the trunk or nearer to the free end of an extremity?

The term that describes the orientation further from the trunk or nearer to the free end of an extremity is "distal." In anatomical terminology, "distal" is used to indicate a position that is farther away from the center of the body or the point of attachment of a limb to the trunk. For instance, when referring to the arm, the wrist is distal to the elbow because it is further away from where the arm attaches to the body.

Understanding these terms is essential for accurately describing the locations of injuries or conditions in patient assessment and communication within the medical field. For example, knowing that the fingers are distal to the wrist can help convey where a problem may exist during an examination or treatment process.