The science of fingerprints is called dactyloscopy and it categorizes the patterns in our fingerprints so that they can be used for identification purposes.

The reason we have fingerprints is because we have a different type of skin on our palms (and feet) called friction ridge skin. This skin contains a lot of ridges, therefore enhancing grip, further the numerous number of nerves allows us high sensitivity in our fingers.

These ridges are already formed in the 24th week of pregnancy and are unique for each individual and each finger and remain unchanged throughout our lives (except for wounds that penetrate deeper tissue).

There are 3 major classifications of fingerprints: Loops, arches and whorls.

Loops are the most common type with 60%. At least one ridge enters from one side, curves and exits from the same side, forming a loop. IF it opens on the side of the thumb, it is classified as a radial loop, and if it opens on the side of the little finger, it is called an ulnar loop.

The arch pattern makes up only 5% and is divided into simple and tented arches. The ridges flow from one side to the other, forming a wave in the middle that is either high or low.

Whorls make up 35% of the patterns. In whorls, at least one ridge completely encircles the center, but more than one ridge can form the circular pattern, and twin whorls are also seen. There are a total of 7 subtypes of whorl patterns.

These are the three categories you can distinguish the fingerprint patterns into, which ones do you have?