The human hand has five digits, the thumb and four fingers. The digits are numbered from 1-5 starting at the thumb. There may be some disagreement about which of the digits is the LEAST important but there is no doubt that the MOST important is the thumb. Because the thumb can fold across the palm, it allows us the ability to pinch and grasp. Try a few simple tasks without the use of your thumb: tie your shoes, button a button, pick up a coin from the table, turn a key in a lock, sweep the floor, or install a lightbulb. You'll quickly learn to appreciate the beauty and functionality of your thumbs. If you spend any time on video games or text messaging, I'm sure you would be lost without your thumbs.As for the least important finger, most people guess the pinkie would hardly be missed but that's not necessarily so. The fourth and fifth digits are both vital for lifting and controlling tools like shovels, mops, and brooms. The middle finger seems a likely candidate for "least" but if your middle finger were amputated, it would be difficult to hold small objects like coins in your hand. They would simply fall through the gap and this would be decidedly inconvenient. According to the folks at my local hand clinic, unless you are a musician or have some other particular professional need for your index finger, it is probably the one least likely to be missed. Your middle finger can easily take over most functions of the second digit. Esthetically, a missing index finger is less noticeable than the absence of the middle or ring fingers. Personally, I'm rather attached to all of my digits and hope they'll stay right where they are!
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