Fingerprinting Chapter 4 Quiz

Fingerprinting Concepts

• Anthropometry: Study of human body proportions and measurements; derives from Greek meaning "man."

• Loop: Predominant fingerprint pattern where ridges enter and exit the same side; found in 65% of people.

• Delta: Diverging point in fingerprint patterns; each individual has at least one.

• Core: Central point in fingerprint patterns; varies in shape and size, not always present.

• Whorl: Fingerprint pattern with ridges forming a complete circle; observed in 30% of the population.

• Arch: Pattern where ridges enter on one side and exit on the opposite side; only 5% of people have this pattern.

• Fingerprints: Unique impressions crucial for individual identification; considered a reliable forensic tool.

• Microns: Measurement unit equating to one millionth of a meter; important for measuring the fine details of fingerprints.

• Dactyloscopy: Scientific study of fingerprints; originated in the 16th century.

• Latent Print: Invisible fingerprints to the naked eye; often require special techniques like tape lifting for collection.

• Ninhydrin: Biochemical reagent that reveals fingerprints by turning them purple, known as Ruhemann's purple.

• Bifurcations: Two-pronged fork-shaped indentations in fingerprint ridges; common feature in fingerprint analysis.

• Minutiae: Specific characteristics of fingerprint ridges; detail-oriented aspect of fingerprint identification.

• Plastic Print: Physical impression of a fingerprint, often created in materials like wax or clay; critical for suspect identification.

• Visible Print: Fingerprints made visible by touching colored substances, such as blood or ink.

Fingerprint Patterns

• Plain Arch: A smoother arch pattern; more common variant among arches.

• Tented Arch: An arch with a notable rise; recognized as a rarer arch type.

• Ulnar Loop: A loop opening towards the pinky finger; indicates the loop pattern's orientation.

• Radial Loop: Loop that opens towards the thumb; distinct in its arrangement.

• Accidental Whorl: A uniquely-shaped whorl that does not conform to standard categories; considered to be coincidental in formation.

• Double Loop Whorl: Features two distinct loops, each having its own core; relatively common fingerprint pattern.

• Central Pocket Whorl: Defined by having at least two deltas and one ridge; distinct personal characteristic.

Historical and Classification

• Alphonse Bertillon: Innovator of the anthropometric system for identification purposes; served as a French police officer.

• Henry Classification: A method for organizing fingerprints; remains a fundamental tool in forensic science today.