Fingerprint Patterns and Analysis

Vocabulary flashcards covering primary fingerprint patterns, types of arches, loops, and whorls, as well as identification methods.

Delta

A triangle-shaped formation where two ridges meet, used to determine a fingerprint's pattern based on how many are present.

Arch

A hill-shaped fingerprint pattern with ridges entering on one side and exiting on the other, containing zero deltas.

Plain Arch

A type of arch fingerprint pattern where the ridges form a rounded hill shape.

Tented Arch

A type of arch fingerprint pattern that has a sharp corner at the top point.

Loop

A fingerprint pattern with ridges that enter and exit from the same side, characterized by having exactly one delta.

Ulnar Loop

A loop fingerprint pattern where the ridges enter and exit on the side of the hand facing the pinky finger.

Radial Loop

A loop fingerprint pattern where the ridges enter and exit on the side of the hand facing the thumb.

Whorl

A swirl-like fingerprint pattern consisting of circles, more than one loop, or a mixture of pattern types, possessing two or more deltas.

Plain Whorl

A whorl pattern where an imaginary line drawn between its two deltas intersects with the inner pattern that forms a circle.

Central Pocket Whorl

A whorl pattern where an imaginary line drawn between its two deltas does not intersect with the inner circular pattern.

Double Loop Whorl

A type of whorl fingerprint that contains two separate loops that meet in the middle.

Accidental Whorl

A type of whorl fingerprint characterized by having more than two deltas.