finger forensics

Dactyloscopy

The scientific study and examination of fingerprint identification and classification

Dermal Papillae

The layer of cells forming the boundary between the outer epidermis and the inner dermis. This microscopic structure dictates the unique arrangement and permanent pattern of friction ridges on human skin

Delta

A triangular or wedge-shaped ridge pattern found near the point where ridge lines diverge in loop and whorl patterns.

Core

The inner focal region or approximate center point of a loop or whorl pattern.

Minutiae

Fine, specific ridge structures (e.g., ridge endings, bifurcations, dots, islands) that individualize a fingerprint to a single person

Bifurcation

A specific minutiae point where a single friction ridge splits or branches into two separate ridges.

Latent Print

An invisible print left by natural perspiration and body oils that requires physical dusting or chemical treatment to be visualised

Patent Print

A visible print left when a finger coated in a liquid or foreign substance (e.g., blood, ink, paint, grease) transfers details onto a surface.

Plastic Print

A three-dimensional impression molded directly into soft, malleable materials such as wax, clay, soap, or wet putty.

Ninhydrin

A chemical solution used on porous surfaces like paper. It reacts with amino acids in human sweat to produce a distinct purple print (Ruhemann's purple).

Iodine Fuming

A technique where heated iodine crystals release vapors that temporarily reveal latent prints on porous materials like paper by reacting with fatty oils.

Cyanoacrylate

The technical term for "superglue" fuming. Heating cyanoacrylate creates vapors that react with moisture and residues on nonporous surfaces (glass, plastic, metal) to leave a white polymer coating over the ridges.