HALLUX

The 'hallux' or 'big toe' is the innermost toe of the foot, counted as digit I.
In humans, the hallux is longer than the second or pointer toe for a majority of people. This is an inherited trait in humans, where the dominant gene causes the normal length hallux while the homozygous recessive geneotype presents with a longer second toe. (Commonly known as "mitten foot").
The human big toe has limited grasping ability. The big toe was once opposable (like the thumb) to human ancestors (and still is to other apes), but it lost that ability so humans can walk up-right on two legs (but, humans still carry the gene for an opposable toe).
In birds with anisodactyl or heterodactyl feet, the hallux is opposed or directed backwards and allows for grasping and perching.

Contents

Diseases

See also

Diseases

People with the rare genetic disease fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva characteristically have short big toes.
The big toe is the most common focus of gout and Ingrown nail attacks.

See also

★ Morton's toe

★ List of Mendelian traits in humans