Poly Modeling
Polygons consist of geometry based on vertices, edges, and faces that you can use to create three-dimensional models in Maya.
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Polygons are useful for constructing many types of 3D models and are widely used in the development of 3D content for animated effects in film, interactive video games, and the internet.
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When it comes to modelling objects, it is always good practice to model with primarily four sided polygons, or quads. Modeling with quads makes it easier to smooth a model with subdivision surface and promotes good topology and edge flow that makes the modeling process easier.
An individual polygon is commonly called a face, and is defined as the area bounded by three or more vertices and their associated edges. When many faces are connected together they create a network of faces called a polygon mesh (also referred to as a polyset or a polygonal object). You create your 3D polygonal models using polygon meshes. Polygon meshes can be created using a variety of techniques.
Polygon meshes normally share the vertices and edges that are common between the individual faces. These are referred to as shared vertices or shared edges.
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A polygon mesh can also be composed of several disjointed sets of connected polygons called shells. The outside edges of a mesh or shell are referred to as border edges.