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.

Discussion

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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 :

• 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%

Links

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• The American Dermatoglyphics Association ^*

Anatomy | Anthropometry | Biometrics | Genetics