As a medical expert with a deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology, I can provide you with a detailed explanation regarding the regeneration of fingers after amputation.
The human body has a remarkable ability to heal and regenerate, but this capacity is not unlimited. When it comes to the regeneration of severed body parts, the potential for recovery largely depends on the nature and extent of the injury, as well as the specific part of the body affected.
Fingernails, for instance, have a unique growth cycle that allows them to regrow after being trimmed or damaged. However, when we talk about the regeneration of fingers, the situation is quite different. Unlike some lower organisms that can regenerate lost limbs, humans do not possess the same ability to regrow complex structures such as fingers.
The statement that children can sometimes regrow the tip of an amputated finger under certain conditions is rooted in a phenomenon known as partial regeneration. This was observed in some cases where the amputation was very clean, and a small portion of the nail bed remained. The nail bed, being a part of the skin, has some capacity for regeneration. However, this does not mean the entire finger can grow back. The regrowth is typically limited to the soft tissue and possibly a small amount of bone, but it does not result in a fully functional finger.
In the case of mice, they have been shown to have a greater capacity for regeneration than humans. This is due to differences in their genetic makeup and the way their cells respond to injury. Mice can regenerate the tips of their digits to some extent, but even in mice, this is not a perfect or common process.
It's important to note that the ability to regrow parts of the body is not a simple matter of "growing back" as one might imagine. The process involves complex biological mechanisms, including cell division, tissue repair, and the formation of new blood vessels. In some animals, like salamanders and certain species of fish, this process is quite advanced and can result in the complete regeneration of lost limbs. However, in humans, this process is much more limited.
When a finger is severed, the immediate medical response is to control bleeding and prevent infection. If the severed part is found, it may be possible to reattach it through microsurgery, a procedure that involves reconnecting blood vessels, nerves, and tendons under a microscope. This can sometimes restore some function to the finger, but the success of the procedure depends on various factors, including the condition of the severed part and the timeliness of the surgery.
In conclusion, while the human body has some capacity for regeneration, the ability to regrow a severed finger is extremely limited and not comparable to the regenerative abilities of some other species. The best course of action after a finger amputation is to seek immediate medical attention to address the injury and explore the possibility of surgical reattachment.
read more >>

If you cut off my arm, it won't grow back. (Note: please don't do that.) But back in the 1970s, scientists showed that children can sometimes regrow the tip of an amputated finger, as long as there's a bit of nail left over and the wound isn't stitched up. Later, we discovered that mice have the same ability.Jun 14, 2013read more >>