Oligodactyly
Encyclopedia
Oligodactyly in human
s is "the presence of fewer than five fingers or toes on a hand or foot". It is quite often incorrectly called hypodactyly, but the Greek prefixes hypo- and hyper- are used for continuous scales (e.g. in hypoglycaemia and hypercholesterolemia
). This as opposed to discrete or countable scales, where oligo- and poly- should be used (e.g. in oligarchy
and polygamy
). Oligodactyly is therefore the opposite of polydactyly
. Very rare, this medical condition usually has a genetic
or familial etiology
.
Oligodactyly is sometimes a sign or symptom of several syndromes including Poland syndrome
and Weyer Ulnar Ray Syndrome. It is a type of Dysmelia
.
Ectrodactyly
, sometimes referred to as the "Lobster-Claw Syndrome" is an extreme instance of oligodactyly, involving the absence of one or more central digits of the hand or foot and is also known as split hand/split foot malformation (SHFM). The hands and feet of people with ectrodactyly are often described as "claw-like" and may include only the thumb and one finger (usually either the little finger, ring finger, or a syndactyly of the two) with similar abnormalities of the feet.
Perhaps surprisingly, people with oligodactyly often have full use of the remaining digits and adapt well to their condition. Outside the occasional stare
, they are not greatly hindered in their daily activities, if at all. Even those with the most extreme forms are known to engage in tasks that require fine control, such as writing and bootmaking as well as working as a cab
driver.
Vadoma people of Zimbabwe
have a high frequency of oligodactyly.
Human
Humans are the only living species in the Homo genus...
s is "the presence of fewer than five fingers or toes on a hand or foot". It is quite often incorrectly called hypodactyly, but the Greek prefixes hypo- and hyper- are used for continuous scales (e.g. in hypoglycaemia and hypercholesterolemia
Hypercholesterolemia
Hypercholesterolemia is the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood. It is not a disease but a metabolic derangement that can be caused by many diseases, notably cardiovascular disease...
). This as opposed to discrete or countable scales, where oligo- and poly- should be used (e.g. in oligarchy
Oligarchy
Oligarchy is a form of power structure in which power effectively rests with an elite class distinguished by royalty, wealth, family ties, commercial, and/or military legitimacy...
and polygamy
Polygamy
Polygamy is a marriage which includes more than two partners...
). Oligodactyly is therefore the opposite of polydactyly
Polydactyly
Polydactyly or polydactylism , also known as hyperdactyly, is a congenital physical anomaly in humans, dogs, and cats having supernumerary fingers or toes....
. Very rare, this medical condition usually has a genetic
Genetics
Genetics , a discipline of biology, is the science of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms....
or familial etiology
Etiology
Etiology is the study of causation, or origination. The word is derived from the Greek , aitiologia, "giving a reason for" ....
.
Oligodactyly is sometimes a sign or symptom of several syndromes including Poland syndrome
Poland syndrome
Poland syndrome is a rare birth defect characterized by underdevelopment or absence of the chest muscle on one side of the body and webbing of the fingers of the hand on the same side mostly common on the right...
and Weyer Ulnar Ray Syndrome. It is a type of Dysmelia
Dysmelia
Dysmelia is a congenital disorder referring to the limbs. -Types:Dysmelia can refer to*missing limbs: amelia, oligodactyly, congenital amputation...
.
Ectrodactyly
Ectrodactyly
Ectrodactyly, sometimes referred to as the “Lobster-Claw Syndrome” involves the deficiency or absence of one or more central digits of the hand or foot and is also known as split hand/split foot malformation...
, sometimes referred to as the "Lobster-Claw Syndrome" is an extreme instance of oligodactyly, involving the absence of one or more central digits of the hand or foot and is also known as split hand/split foot malformation (SHFM). The hands and feet of people with ectrodactyly are often described as "claw-like" and may include only the thumb and one finger (usually either the little finger, ring finger, or a syndactyly of the two) with similar abnormalities of the feet.
Perhaps surprisingly, people with oligodactyly often have full use of the remaining digits and adapt well to their condition. Outside the occasional stare
Staring
Staring is a prolonged gaze or fixed look. In staring, one object or person is the continual focus of visual interest, for an amount of time. Staring can be interpreted as being either hostile, or the result of intense concentration or affection. Staring behaviour can be considered a form of...
, they are not greatly hindered in their daily activities, if at all. Even those with the most extreme forms are known to engage in tasks that require fine control, such as writing and bootmaking as well as working as a cab
Cab
The word cab has a number of meanings, most of which are abbreviations:In transport:* Cabriolet, a horse-drawn carriage* Taxicab* Cabin * Cab , the driving compartment of a locomotive...
driver.
Vadoma people of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia and a tip of Namibia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three...
have a high frequency of oligodactyly.