Ch. 5 Notes - Fingerprints (Pg. 1)

Dactylography

The study of fingerprints for identification purposes.

Dermal ridges

Small ridges on fingers, toes, feet, palms, and lips that help with gripping objects.

Fingerprint

A mark or impression left when ridges on the skin press against surfaces.

Basal layer

The layer between the dermis and epidermis where fingerprint patterns begin forming.

Apocrine glands

Sweat glands associated with hair follicles that contribute to fingerprint residue.

Eccrine glands

Sweat glands primarily located on the ridges of the hands and feet.

Core

The center of a loop or whorl pattern in a fingerprint.

Delta

A triangular region near a loop pattern in a fingerprint.

Arches

Fingerprint pattern with ridges entering from one side and leaving from the other with a point in the center.

Loops

Fingerprint pattern with ridges entering from one side and exiting from the same side.

Whorls

Fingerprint pattern with at least one ridge making a complete circuit, often with two deltas.