Which term describes a congenital condition with more digits than normal?

• A. polydactyly
• B. oligodactyly
• C. brachydactyly
• D. syndactyly

Answer: (A)

Polydactyly describes a congenital condition in which there is an extra digit beyond the normal count on either the hand or the foot. It’s the appropriate term when there are more digits than usual, and the extra digit can range from a small nub to a fully formed finger with bones and joints. This condition can occur on either the radial (thumb) side, known as preaxial, or the ulnar (little finger) side, known as postaxial, and it may occur in isolation or as part of a broader syndrome. In contrast, oligodactyly means fewer digits than normal, brachydactyly refers to abnormally short digits, and syndactyly means digits that are fused together.