Fingers vs Toes

Your fingers and toes contain bones called phalanges, connected by the joints between them.

Phalanges are the small/long bones that make up our fingers and toes.

We have 14 phalanges in each hand and foot, making a total of 56. 

• The thumb and the big toe have exactly two phalanges. 
• The other fingers and toes have three phalanges each.

So, 3*4 = 12 + 2 = 14. (Twelve in four fingers/toes, plus two in the thumb/big toe)

• The phalanges in the four fingers and toes are known as proximal, middle, and distal (distal being the tip of the finger or toe).
• The phalanges in the thumb or big toe are proximal and distal. They have no middle phalange.

Functional Differences of  Hands (Fingers) and Feet (Toes)

Hands provide you with mobility.

Feet provide stability on the ground.

Hands help you grip, grasp, and handle tasks like writing, typing, stitching, etc.

Feet provide stability, balance, and support when you stand, walk, or run.

Thumb and Big Toe  

Anatomically and structurally, the big toe is the evolutionary equivalent of the thumb.

Both serve as the "first digit" on their respective limbs and share nearly identical bone structures.

Although they share the same genetic blueprint, they evolved differently to serve opposite purposes, as outlined below:

The Thumb serves mobility: 

It has evolved an opposable saddle joint at the base. A saddle joint is one in which one bone is concave-based and the other is convex-based. This allows it to rotate in opposing directions, touch the tips of every other finger, and grip tools.

The Big Toe serves stability: 

It locks in line with the other toes. This provides a rigid lever to bear weight, absorb shock, and push your body forward when walking.

• In alternative therapies like Accupressure and Reflexology, the big toe and the thumb share a functional link. 
• Both points are connected directly to the head, brain, and nervous system. 
• Traditionally, massaging or pressing these digits helps alleviate headaches, lessen mental fatigue, and soothe the mind.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hand

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot