Fingerprint Characteristics
Accidental whorl |
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A pattern that looks like a blend of the various types of patterns seen. It can consist of up to three deltas, may contain a core, and predominantly appears to be a mix of an arch and a loop.
Arches |
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A pattern type in which the friction ridges would appear to enter on one side of the impression and flow or tend to flow out the other side with a rise or wave in the centre. This pattern is an example of a first-level fingerprint detail.
Bifurcation |
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The point at which one friction ridge divides into two friction ridges. This minutia is an example of a second-level fingerprint detail.
Continuous ridge path
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An uninterrupted friction ridge that continues until there is a ridge ending.
Core |
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The core is the approximate centre of the fingerprint impression, where the friction ridges converge.
Delta |
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The point on a friction ridge at or nearest to the point of divergence of two type lines, and located at or directly in front of the point of divergence.
Double loop whorl
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A whorl-like pattern witnessed by the intertwining of two loops oriented in opposing orientations that result in a whirlpool like pattern.
Island |
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This type of minutiae describes a single friction ridge that begins, continues for a short distance longer than the width, and then ends, disconnected on both ends. This minutia is an example of a second-level fingerprint detail.
Lake/Enclosure |
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This minutia illustrates two bifurcations adjacent and facing one another to form a ‘bubble-like’ enclosure. It is formed by a single friction ridge that bifurcates and rejoins after a short course and continues as a single friction ridge. This minutia is an example of a second-level fingerprint detail.
Loop |
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A fingerprint pattern type where the ridges enter from one side, curve up and around and flow back out the side it entered. There is always one delta present in the loop pattern type. This pattern is an example of a first-level fingerprint detail.
Minutiae |
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Individualistic details of various levels that are observed within a fingerprint and are used to individually characterize the fingerprint in question and be used for inclusion and exclusion purposes.
Ridge Dot |
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This minutiae describes a small segment of a friction ridge that is the same size as a ridge unit. This minutia is an example of a second-level fingerprint detail.
Ridge Ending |
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This minutia illustrates an abrupt end to a continuous ridge path. This is an example of a second-level fingerprint detail.
Scar and Creases
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Voided or disrupted regions of a friction ridge pattern along a ridge path that are caused by folds or injuries. These details are often consistent through several adjacent friction ridge paths.
Tented arch
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This pattern appears to be a fusion of a loop and arch pattern. Here a loop like peak is seen, but the recurve does not occur resulting in a steep arch
Whorls |
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A fingerprint pattern type where the friction ridges make a complete circuit around the centre of the fingerprint. This pattern consists of two deltas, one on either side of the core, which is encircled by multiple concentric circular ridge patterns. This pattern is an example of a first-level fingerprint detail.
The point on a friction ridge at or nearest to the point of divergence of two type lines, and located at or directly in front of the point of divergence.
This is one of two focal points along the fingerprints. The core is the centre of the fingerprint as that is where the ridges converge. The approximate centre of the impression. It is a specific formation within a fingerprint pattern defined by classification systems such as Henry Details, also known as 1st level details.
A pattern type in which the friction ridges enter on one side of the impression, and flow or tend to flow out the other side with a rise or wave in the centre.
A fingerprint pattern type where the ridges enter from one side, curve up and turn around and flow back out the same way it entered from; one delta present in the loop pattern type.
A raised texture on the palmar and plantar surfaces of primates that enhances their ability to grip objects.
Individualistic details of various levels that are observed within a fingerprint. These details are used to characterize the fingerprint in question and for inclusion and exclusion purposes.
This minutia illustrates an abrupt end to a continuous ridge path. This is an example of a second-level fingerprint detail.
Describes the transfer of oils or lipids from a finger onto a surface resulting in the replication of the friction ridge pattern seen on the fingertip, including the minutiae.
Individualistic details of various levels that are observed within a fingerprint. These details are used to characterize the fingerprint in question and for inclusion and exclusion purposes.
The point at which one friction ridge divides into two friction ridges. This minutia is an example of a second-level fingerprint detail.
Friction ridge pattern that is found on the fingertips' skin.
A determination made by the examiner that there is sufficient agreement between the friction ridge patterns of a known and unknown fingerprint to conclude that both fingerprints may have originated from the same source.
Determination made by the examiner that there is sufficient reliable detail of characteristics in disagreement that one can conclude that two fingerprints (friction ridge impressions) did not originate from the same source.
An uninterrupted friction ridge that continues until there is a ridge ending.
