The
Fingerprints: Basic Nature
The
fingerprints are the patterns or markings on the fingertips. They exist on the palms (Palmetograms) and on
the soles of the feet (Pelmatograms). The study of Fingerprints is an Ancient
Science but has been intensely researched for the past 200 years. It has been
looked at from various perspectives from different disciplines. Various
researchers have contributed to this science from the perspective of different
disciplines too. For example, Forensics, Psychology, Genetics, Anthropology,
etc.
Fingertips
are also a source of identification; no two fingerprints are alike, and they
are commonly used as personal identifiers. Fingerprints have been established
as the bar code that identifies each individual human species and are also the
differentiating factor. It has also been a tool for criminal identification
Example-FBI, CBI, Forensic Department, AFIS, etc.
Fingerprints
are a lifetime phenomenon as it stays with a person from birth to death. “Any
damage that the skin may suffer, is always regenerated following the original
pattern” so fingerprints are also known to be immutable. Fingerprints are
inherited and hence decided by genetics. An individual neural and cognitive
development is influenced by the environment in the womb and the vibrations
that are created by the mother’s thoughts. This again can create or change the
creation of the volar pads which influence fingerprints.
Also,
a peculiar origin is that all ten fingerprint patterns are not the same: The
ten fingers can have either all the same or different patterns on each of the
ten fingers. Each finger of the ten fingerprints has different ridge counts:
Each finger has unique patterns along with different unique ridge counts or
neural connections. These ridges are said to be the somatosensory system of a
person. The ten fingerprints can have different minutiae: The main point of
differentiation of any two fingers in a person or in twins is the minutiae. No
two fingers have the same minutiae and hence this means that they are all
uniquely different.
Various
studies have been conducted to prove that fingerprint patterns are connected to
the personality of a person. There has been sufficient research to prove that
each finger is connected to a specific part of the brain even though they all
function in totality. The fingerprints are also said to reveal the neural speed
of a person: The ridges are said to be the nerves and receptors and are also
said to reveal the speed and intensity of the message relayed based on the
number of ridges. There have been studies
conducted over the years which exhibit the relationship between the fingerprint
pattern and the psychological behavior exhibited.
The
ridges are said to talk directly to the brain. The huge network of nerve
endings and specialized receptors is called the somatosensory system. The
sensory and motor messages are the study of the brain-hand connection. The
friction surface of the fingertips enables the feel and they maximize the
surface area for increased touch sensitivity. The dynamic touch and receptor of
vibrations are interpreted to help decipher the sensation. The fingertips are
also powered by tiny muscles which are all attached to the finger bones by
tendons, which help move fingers. The fingers are said to move in harmony with
one another. They all work in conjunction with one another to make fingers
functional. The fingers also have a natural way of communication for the hearing
impaired which can increase understanding among non-signing people. The above
points have only elaborated to give the different viewpoints of different
fields of study. The common factor is that fingerprints are a very important
factor in the understanding of the human body and the brain.
What
are Fingerprints?
• Fingerprints are unique patterns of
ridges and furrows on the skin of the fingertips that are used for
identification purposes. The significance of fingerprints lies in their
uniqueness, permanence, and ease with which they can be collected and analyzed.
• Each person's fingerprints are
completely unique; even identical twins have different fingerprints. This means
that fingerprints can be used to accurately identify individuals, making them a
valuable tool in criminal investigations, background checks, and other
identification purposes.
• The permanence of fingerprints is
another significant factor. Unlike other forms of identification, such as
identification cards or driver's licenses, fingerprints do not change over
time, except in cases of injury or disease. This means that fingerprints can be
used to identify individuals even after many years have passed.
• The ease with which fingerprints can be
collected and analyzed is also significant. Fingerprinting is a non-invasive
procedure that can be performed quickly and easily, and the resulting prints
can be analysed using specialized software or by trained experts.
• Overall, the significance of
fingerprints lies in their unique, permanent, and easily collected nature,
which makes them an important tool for identification and criminal
investigations. They are used in a wide range of applications, including law
enforcement, border security, employment background checks, and even as a means
of authentication for mobile devices and other technology.
What is the
significance of a fingerprint pattern?
Fingerprint
patterns are significant for several reasons, including:
·
Uniqueness:
Each individual has a unique fingerprint pattern that is formed during fetal
development and remains constant throughout their life. This uniqueness makes
fingerprints a valuable tool for identification purposes, as no two
fingerprints are exactly alike.
·
Reliability:
Fingerprint patterns are highly reliable and consistent, and can be used to
identify individuals even after many years. This makes fingerprints a valuable
tool for law enforcement agencies in identifying suspects and solving crimes.
·
Persistence:
Fingerprint patterns are formed in the basal layer of the skin during fetal
development and remain unchanged throughout a person's life, except for minor
changes due to injury or scarring. This persistence makes fingerprints a
valuable tool for identification even after death.
·
Classification:
Fingerprint patterns can be classified into various categories, such as loops,
whorls, and arches, based on their overall shape and pattern. This
classification system allows for easier analysis and comparison of fingerprints
and is used extensively in forensic investigations.
·
Diagnostic
value: Fingerprint patterns can provide diagnostic value in certain medical
conditions. Certain genetic disorders and developmental abnormalities can
affect the formation of fingerprints, leading to unique patterns that may be
associated with certain conditions.
Overall, the
significance of a fingerprint pattern lies in its unique, reliable, and
persistent nature, which makes it a valuable tool for identification and
diagnosis purposes. The study of fingerprint patterns, or Dermatoglyphics, is a
crucial field in forensic science and has numerous applications in law
enforcement, medical research, and other areas.
What are the
classifications of fingerprint patterns?
Fingerprint
patterns can be classified into three main categories: loops, whorls, and
arches. These categories are based on the overall shape and pattern of the
ridges and furrows that make up the fingerprint.
Fingerprint
pattern classification is an important tool in forensic science, as it allows
for easier analysis and comparison of fingerprints. By identifying the type of
pattern present in a fingerprint, investigators can narrow down the pool of
potential matches and more effectively identify suspects in criminal
investigations.
·
Arches:
Arches are the least common type of fingerprint pattern, making up only about
5% of all fingerprints. Arches are characterized by ridges that enter from one
side of the pattern, rise up in the center, and then exit on the opposite side.
Arches can be further classified as plain arches or tented arches, which have a
small spike in the center of the arch.
·
Loops:
Loops are the most common type of fingerprint pattern, making up about 60-65%
of all fingerprints. Loops are characterized by one or more ridges that enter
from one side of the pattern, recurve, and exit from the same side. Loops can
be further classified as radial loops, which open towards the thumb, or ulnar
loops, which open towards the little finger.
·
Whorls:
Whorls make up about 30-35% of all fingerprints. Whorls are characterized by a
pattern of ridges that spiral around a central point, forming a circular or
spiral pattern. Whorls can be further classified as plain whorls, central
pocket whorls, double loop whorls, or accidental whorls.
What schools
of thought are connected to fingerprint science?
Fingerprint
science is a branch of forensic science that involves the study and analysis of
fingerprints for identification purposes. There are several schools of thought
that are connected to fingerprint science, including:
·
Anthropometry:
Anthropometry is the scientific study of the measurements and proportions of
the human body. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, anthropometry was
used as a method of identification, with experts measuring various parts of the
body to create a unique "anthropometric record" for each individual.
Fingerprinting was seen as a complementary method of identification to
anthropometry.
·
Dactyloscopy:
Dactyloscopy is the study of fingerprints for the purpose of identification. It
is a subfield of forensic science that focuses specifically on fingerprints and
their analysis.
·
Criminalistics:
Criminalistics is the scientific study of physical evidence in criminal
investigations. Fingerprinting is one of the key techniques used in
criminalistics, as fingerprints can provide valuable evidence in cases where
suspects have left their prints at a crime scene.
·
Behavioral
psychology: Behavioural psychology is a school of thought that focuses on the
study of human behavior. In the context of fingerprint science, behavioral
psychology is used to analyze the behavior of individuals based on their
fingerprints, such as their patterns of ridges and furrows and the way they
apply pressure when leaving a print.
·
Genetics:
Genetics is the study of genes and heredity. While fingerprints themselves are
not believed to be genetically determined, certain genetic conditions can
affect the development of fingerprints, leading to unique patterns that may be
associated with certain disorders or syndromes. As such, genetics plays a role
in the study of fingerprints and their analysis.
Overall,
the schools of thought connected to fingerprint science are diverse and include
fields such as anthropology, forensic science, psychology, and genetics. The
interdisciplinary nature of fingerprint science allows for a thorough and
comprehensive approach to the analysis and identification of fingerprints.
What is
Dermatoglyphics?
Dermatoglyphics
is the scientific study of fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints, including
the study of their formation, pattern, and classification. The term
"Dermatoglyphics" comes from the Greek words "derma",
meaning skin, and "glyph", meaning carving or engraving.
Dermatoglyphics
is a subfield of forensic science that is used for identification purposes, as
well as for the study of genetic and developmental disorders that may affect
the formation of fingerprints and other skin patterns. By analyzing the
patterns of ridges and furrows on the skin, Dermatoglyphics experts can
identify individuals and differentiate between them based on their unique
fingerprints.
The
study of Dermatoglyphics also includes the classification of fingerprint
patterns into various categories, such as loops, whorls, and arches, based on
their overall shape and pattern. This classification system allows for easier
analysis and comparison of fingerprints and is used extensively in forensic
investigations. In addition to its forensic applications, Dermatoglyphics is
also used in medical research to study the genetic and developmental factors
that influence the formation of fingerprints and other skin patterns. Research
has shown that certain genetic disorders and developmental abnormalities can
affect the formation of fingerprints, leading to unique patterns that may be
associated with certain conditions. Overall, Dermatoglyphics is a valuable
field of study that has important applications in forensic science, medical
research, and other areas. Its focus on the unique patterns of the skin has led
to numerous breakthroughs in the study of human development and identification.
