Polydactyly is a birth defect which may affects the hands, feet, or both. It causes one or more extra fingers or toes. It can affect people, and other mammals such as dogs, and cats.
What types are there?
There are three types of Polydactyly: postaxial polydactyly, central polydactyly, and preaxial polydactyly.
Central is just like what it sounds; the extra finger is located in the middle. Preaxial is where an extra thumb is placed. It might look awkward, but it is useful for picking more than two small things at the same time. Postaxial gives and extra pinky finger. Although this might be least helpful, it is also the least recognizable.
Fun fact: The word “polydactyly” kind of matches its meaning! The “ly” part in the word “polydactyly” feels like if it wasn’t supposed to be there, and that it’s supposed to be “polydacty.” Just like an extra finger!
