Peripheral

Injury	Diseases	Nutrition	Poison
Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Anatomical landmarks, back view

Anatomical landmarks, front view

Peripheral orientation

Overview

Prevention

Definition

Peripheral means "away from the center." It refers to the areas away from the center of the body or a body part. For example, the hands are peripheral to the shoulder. The toes are peripheral to the knees.

Information

Review Date: 02/23/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.