Fingerprint Analysis and Patterns

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to fingerprint analysis, including core patterns and types of ridge minutiae.

Ridge Characteristics

Patterns in the way the ridges of a fingerprint are joined, broken, or split, which can serve as individual evidence.

Bifurcation

The point where a ridge splits into two separate ridges.

Delta

A triangular configuration of skin ridges situated near the core of a loop or whorl pattern.

Loop

A core pattern where ridges enter from one side of the finger and exit on the same side.

Whorl

A core pattern characterized by ridges that form concentric circles and contains two deltas.

Arch

A fingerprint pattern that rises in the center and contains no deltas.

Radial Loop

A loop pattern that begins and ends on the side of the fingerprint facing the thumb (radial bone) and contains one delta.

Ulnar Loop

A loop pattern that begins and ends on the side of the fingerprint facing the little finger (ulna bone) and contains one delta.

Accidental Whorl

A fingerprint pattern that consists of a mixture of patterns, containing two deltas.

Tented Arch

A sloped pattern resembling a pointed mountain that contains no deltas.

Central Pocket Loop

A fingerprint pattern that forms a central whorl within a loop and contains two deltas.

Double Loop

A fingerprint pattern characterized by two intermingled loop patterns, containing two deltas.

Plain Whorl

A fingerprint pattern with ridges appearing as circles within circles, containing two deltas.