Which anatomical term describes being nearer to the trunk of the body?

The term that describes being nearer to the trunk of the body is "proximal." In anatomical terminology, "proximal" is used to indicate a position closer to the center of the body or to the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk. This is particularly relevant when discussing the limbs; for example, the shoulder is proximal to the elbow because it is closer to the trunk.

In contrast, "distal" refers to being further away from the trunk or the point of attachment, while "lateral" indicates a position that is further from the midline of the body, and "medial" refers to being closer to the midline. Understanding these terms is crucial for accurately describing locations and movements within the human body.