about fingerprint ridge patterns

1. Why Do We Have Fingerprints?
Dermal Papillae: an
undulating sub-layer
that causes friction
ridges
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2. Why Do We Have Fingerprints?
Friction Ridges
allow us to hold on
to things more
easily.
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3. Fundamental Principles
of Fingerprints
They don’t change.
Can be classified by
their ridge patterns
Unique because of minutiae
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4. 3 Types of Ridge Patterns
o Loops
•Whorls
•Arches
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5. Loop
one or more ridge enters and
exits from the same side.
Loops must have one delta
(triangular area).
Types
Radial: opens toward the thumb
Ulnar: opens toward the “pinky”
(little finger)
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6. Whorl
at least one ridge
makes a complete
circuit.
Types
 Plain
 Central Pocket
 Double Loop
 Accidental
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7. Arch
has ridges that enter
on one side, rises
in the middle, and
ends on the other
side
Types
Plain
Tented
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8. 3 Types of Ridge Patterns
o Loops: most common pattern
(65% of people have these)
• Whorls: 30%
• Arches: least common pattern
(5%)
Individual fingers can have different ridge patterns!
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9. Galton: observer of minutiae
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10. Minutia: small patterns in the print
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11. Examples of Minutia
BIFURCATION RIDGE ENDING
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12. More Minutia Examples
ISLAND SHORT RIDGE
ENCLOSURE
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