Classification of Fingerprints Fingerprint types 3 Types of

Classification of Fingerprints Fingerprint types

3 Types of Fingerprints • Arch – Ridges flow from one side of the pattern to the other, with a rise in the middle • Loop – One or more ridges enter on one side, recurve, and flow back out the same side • Whorl – At least one ridge makes a complete circuit about the core

Arches • Plain Arch – Ridges flow from one side to the other – Rise or wave in center – Smooth rise and gentle upward curve – Simplest fingerprint pattern

Arches • Tented Arch – Has either a central upthrust or welldefined angle – Transition between arch and loop, but does not have all 4 requirements of loop pattern

Loops • Must Contain 4 characteristics – Core – the approximate center of the pattern – Delta – triangular area caused by the divergence of ridges – Recurving ridge (at least 1) – must pass between the core and the delta – Ridge count (at least 1) – number of ridges that cross an imaginary line between core and delta.

Loops • Right Slant Loop – Ridges flow to the right • Ridges enter from the right side • Ridges exit to the right side

Loops • Left Slant Loop – Ridges flow to the left side • Ridges enter from the left • Ridges exit to the left

Whorls • Plain Whorl – Has 2 deltas and at least one ridge that makes a complete circuit about the core – Can be concentric circles (bull’s eye) or spiral

Whorls • Central Pocket Loop Whorl – Like a loop, except it contains a second delta near the core – Has whorl-type ridges circuiting around the core – Line between deltas must not cross any whorl-type ridges

Whorls • Double Loop Whorl – 2 separate loop formations, each with its own core – 2 deltas

Whorls • Accidental Whorl – 2 or more deltas – Does not fit into any other classification

Practice – Classify Each