Dermatoglyphics

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Dermatoglyphics (from ancient Greek derma = "skin", glyph = "carving") is the scientific study of fingerprints. The term was coined by Dr. Harold Cummins, the father of fingerprint analysis.

Contents 1 Discussion 2 Terms 3 Additional information 4 External links

[edit] Discussion

All primates have ridged skin, and it can also be found on the paws of certain mammals and on the tails of some monkey species. In humans, dermatoglyphs are present on fingers, palms, toes, and soles, and give insight into a critical period of embryogenesis, between 4 weeks and 5 months, when the architecture of the major organ systems is developing.

Unusual dermatoglyphic patterns often relate to genetic disorders ^{[citation needed]}:

• Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome): Usually all are ulnar loops and Simian Creases in 50%.
• Turner syndrome: Predominance of whorls
• 47, XXY (Klinefelter's syndrome): Excess of arches
• Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome): Excess of arches and Simian creases in 60%
• Trisomy 18 (Edward's syndrome) 6 - 10 arches and Simian creases in 30%
• Cri du chat (5p-): Excess of arches and Simian creases in 90%

[edit] Terms

A triradius is a point located at the meeting point of three directional ridges. Its count varies from pattern to pattern, none for simple arch, one for tented arch, loop & two or more for whorl. In the palm of the hand triradii are marked by letters like a, b, c, d or t.

[edit] Additional information

Dermatoglyphics and uncopyrightable are the longest English words with no repeated letters.

[edit] External links

• The American Dermatoglyphics Association [1]
• HOW TO TAKE DERMATOGLYPHIC PRINTS