Learn: Forensics-Fingerprinting

Arch

Ridge lines enter one side, rise in the center, and exit the opposite side.

Bifurcation

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

Core

The center area or approximate midpoint of a loop or whorl pattern.

Cyanoacrylate

Superglue fuming used to reveal latent prints on nonporous surfaces as white polymer.

Dactyloscopy

The study and science of fingerprint identification and classification.

Delta

A triangular ridge structure located where ridge lines diverge.

Dermal papillae

Boundary tissue between epidermis and dermis determining ridge patterns.

Iodine fuming

Vapor technique reacting with fatty oils to temporarily reveal prints on paper.

Latent print

Invisible impression requiring physical or chemical processing to visualize.

Loop

Ridge lines enter from one side, curve around, and exit on the same side.

Minutiae

Fine ridge details (bifurcations, endings, dots) used to individualize prints.

Ninhydrin

Chemical reacting with amino acids on porous materials to produce a purple print.

Patent print

Visible impression transferred onto a surface via blood, ink, paint, or grease.

Plastic print

Three-dimensional impression molded into soft material like wax or clay.

Whorl

Pattern possessing at least two deltas with circular or spiral ridge patterns.