GLOSSARY
ACCIDENTAL WHORL - pattern having a combination of two or more different types of
patterns. It can be combination of a loop or any combination of two different loop and whorl type
patterns, but it cannot be a combination of a plain arch or any other pattern.
AN EXPERT - is a person who had special and competent knowledge of a subject, and who
obtained this special knowledge either through experience.
ANKLOSIS - a bone condition in which the finger joints cannot be bent
APPENDAGE - is a short ridge at the top or summit of a recurve usually at right angle.
APPROXIMATING PATTERNS - these are patterns which, because of extreme Complexifies in
their formations, cannot be assigned definite, specific interpretations. These are ridge designs
on which equally competent fingerprint experts disagree on their interpretations.
BALL ZONE - the large cushion below the base of the big toe. In this zone may appear loops,
whorls, or combination of them. It may contain no pattern at all; just a series of papillary ridges
running across the area. The ball zone corresponds to the thenar zone in palm prints.
BATTLEY SINGLE FINGERPRINT METHOD - a system of classifying and filing single
Fingerprints devised by Harry Battley, former Chief Inspector in Charge of the fingerprint
bureau, New Scotland Yard, London, England.
BIFURCATING RIDGE - is a single ridge which forks or splits into two ridges.
BLOCKING OUT - is the placing in a fingerprint card the results of the interpretation of all ten
patterns. Letters, symbols or numbers on the card represents these required for each of the
rolled prints.
CALCAR ZONE - is the area at the heel. Very infrequently do patterns show in this zone, its
usually ridge formation consisting more than latitudinal striations.
CARPAL DELTA ZONE - this is an area about the center of the palm, down near the Wrist. It is
not always expected to find a pattern in this zone, but when a delta does appear there, renders
comparison easier.
CATCH OR IDENT - (in fingerprint parlance) it means the location or finding of a previously filed
duplicate record card of the subject.
CENTRAL POCKET LOOP WHORL - is a pattern which for the most part looks like a loop, but
which has a small whorl inside the loop ridges. It consist of one or more recurving ridges or an
obstruction at right angles to the inner line of flow, with deltas, between which an imaginary line
would cut or touch no recurving within the inner the pattern area.
CHAIN OF EVIDENCE - means that a person must be able in court to account for every minute
of time the evidence time the evidence time the evidence has been in his own else's hands or
custody from the time it was found at the crime scene of the crime until it is offered as an exhibit
it court.
CLASSIFICATION - refers to a formula derived from a complete set of fingerprint patterns; or
the arrangement of fingerprint records into groups or subgroups for filing proposes.
CLASSIFICATION OF APPROXIMATING PATTERNS - is the writing up of all the possible
classification for a set of prints that contains one or more doubtful patterns.
COMBINATION - means embracing all the possible variations of classification which a set of
fingerprints may produce. Example: a loop may be inner or outer; the "I" and "O" therefore are
combinations. A whorl may be inner, meeting or outer; "I" "M" and "O" are the combinations.
CONVERGING RIDGE - is a ridge whose closed end is angular and serves as a point of
convergence; pointed and abrupt.
CORE - is the center or heart of the pattern.
CRIME SCENE PROCEDURES - this relates to the proper and sound approach in the conduct
of crime scene searches.
DACTYLOMANCY - study of the character or behavior through the use of fingerprints
DELTA - is a point on the ridge formation at or directly in front of the divergence of the type
lines.
DEVELOPING A LATENT POWDER - merely means applying powder to the print in such a way
that the powder will adhere to the moisture left by the ridges of a finger.
DISSOCIATED RIDGES - are unusual ridge structures having well-defined patters; the ridges
are extremely short which never got very far, never fused and are a series of "patches" caused
by a disturbance of developmental process at the early fetal (prenatal) life of the individual.
DISTAL - when the exit of as loop formation points toward the fingertips.
DIVERGING RIDGE - are two ridges running side by side and suddenly separating one, going
one way and the other going another way.
DOUBLE LOOP WHORL - is pattern consisting of two separate and distinct loop formations.
Two loops do not have to be of the same size. All that is required is that there be two separate
and distinct loop formations, two sets of shoulders and two deltas.
ENCLOSURE - is a bifurcating which does not remain open but in which the legs of the
bifurcation, after running along side by side for a short distance, comes together again to form a
single ridge once more. It is named an enclosure because completely encloses a section of a
furrow.
ENVELOPE - is when a staple encloses one or more rods.
FBI MODIFICATIONS AND EXTENSION OPF THE HENRY SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION -
a system devised and perfected by the FBI based on the pure Henry Method of Fingerprint
Classification.
FIBULAR ZONE - this area is situated on the little toe side of the foot, just under the planter
zone. It is called fibular because it is on that side of the foot toward which the fibula (bone of the
lower legi runs fo corresponds to the ulna bone of the arm. Patterns are not very often found in
this zone.
FILING - refers to the operation of locating the prop place in a fingerprint file where a certain set
of sete belongs and then depositing nit there.
FILING OUT - means the entering on a fingerprint record card of all known essential data about
a subject, except the fingerprints themselves.
FINGERPRINT - is a reproduction on some smooth surfaces of the pattern or designed formed
by the ridges on the inside of the end joint of a finger or thumb,
FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION INDEX - is a series of guide cards having tabs on which are
lettered the various fingerprint classification combinations.
FOOTPRINT IDENTIFICATION OR PODOSCOPY - is the science of identifying through friction
ridge characteristics existing on the sole of the human foot.
FOOTPRINT PATTERN ZONES - these are areas in the in the sole of the human foot
containing friction ridge characteristics where footprint identification is based.
FRICTION RIDGES - are strips of skin on the inside of the end points of our fingers and thumbs
by which fingerprints are made. They are also called papillary ridges or epidermal ridges.
FURROWS - are depressions or canals between the ridges, which may be compared with the
low area in a tire treads.
HYPOTHERNAR ZONE - this zone embraces the large cushion below the base of the little
finger. It may contain loops, whorls or combinations of them or no pattern at all. There are
ridges present but may not necessarily form patterns.
IDENTIFIATION OF THE TEETH - means the employment of a dental expert in teeth
identification through comparison of the dental chart of an unidentified human cadaver.
INCIPIENT RIDGES - are usually type of ridges found in a small percentage of patterns. They
are found in the furrows between two well-formed and full-bodied ridges. They are short, narrow
and badly formed, their diameter is never equal to the diameter of an average ridge and their
course is practically always interrupted. They are not considered when classifying fingerprints.
INNER WHORL (I) - is one in which the ridge whose course being traced from the left delta to
the right delta passes inside (above) the right delta with three or more ridges intervening
between the traced ridge and the right delta.
INVISIBLE LATENT PRINTS - are the most common type of chance impression. Prints that
cannot be seen by the naked eye, especially on papers, card board, box, and can be develop by
the use or right kind of powder and chemical to make them visible.
ISLAND RIDGE - resembles a dot. It has only a single pore.
LATENT PRINT - (hidden or concealed) are fingerprints found at the scene of the crime.
LOUNDRY TAG OR CLEANER'S MARK - the means of identification solely based on a laundry
tag, laundry tag or cleaner's mark on the person's clothing.
LOOP - is a pattern in which one or more of the ridges start at one side of the pattern, run
toward the upper corner on the opposite side, then turn around (recurve) and start back toward
the side from which they came originally, forming a loop with a core in the center and a delta at
the edge of the pattern area.
MAJOR DIVISIONS - these are created by the counting of loops and the tracing of whorl type
patterns appearing on the right and left thumbs. These divisions are employed to subdivide
large collections of sets that the primary, secondary and sub secondary do not divide into
sufficiently small groups to permit easy filing and searching. When either thumb is an arch or a
tended arch, there is no major division for the set of prints.
MAKE - (in fingerprints parlance) means that an identification has been made that the searcher
has found a previous card on file for some subject.
MEETING (M) - is one in which the ridge whose course being traced from the left delta toward
the right delta exactly meets the right delta or passes inside or outside (over or under) the right
delta with not more than two ridges intervening between them.
NON-NUMERICAL PATTERNS - in making up a primary classification, these are patterns,
which are not given numerical values.
NUMERICAL PATTERNS - in deriving a primary classification, these are patterns which are
assigned number values depending on which finger they appear.
OUTER WHORL (0) - is one in which the ridge whose course being traced from the left delta
toward the right delta passes outside (under) the right delta with not less than three ridges
intervening.
PAIRING OFF - a very important step in deriving a primary classification, means arranging a set
of fingerprints so that all numerator fingers or values are ABOVE the line and that all
denominator fingers or values are BELOW the line.
PALMER ZONE - this is the area that is located at the bases of the index, middle, ring, and little
fingers. Patterns may appear between this deltas, the spaces where on might find patterns are
numbered II, III, and IV. The palmar zone patterns are found between the deltas which are
situated at the bases of the fingers. T6hese patterns are not at the bases of the fingers, but in
the intervals between in the interdigital spaces.
PALM PATTERN ZONE - these are parts of the human palms containing friction ridge
characteristics where palm print identification is based.
PALM PRINT IDENTIFICATION OR CHEROSCOPY - is the science of personal identification
through friction ridge characteristics existing on the palmar surface of the human hand.
PATTERN AREA - is the part of fingerprint which lies within the area surrounded by the type
lines.
PATTERN ENTERPRETATION - refers to naming of fingerprint patterns.
PLAIN ARCH - is a pattern in which the ridges enter on the one side of the pattern and flow
towards the other side, with a rise in the center, with no recurving ridge, no angular formation
and no upward thrust.
PLAIN IMPRESSION - is one made by pressing an inked finger directly down upon a finger card
without any rolling motion. It will record only the center of the friction ridge pattern.
PLAIN WHORL - is a pattern in which there are two deltas and in which at least one ridge
makes a turn through one complete circuit.
PLANTAR ZONE - is an area occupying the entire ball pattern zone, it corresponds to the
palmar zone of palm prints. In the plantar zone may appear loops, whorls, combinations of them
or merely unpatterned ridges.
POLYDACTYLISM - the appearance of extra fingers as anatomically known.
PORES - opening at the ridge surface and its structure is revealed in more satisfactorily by the
ninhydrin silver nitrate latent fingerprint development.
POROSCOPY - is the science of identification by means of pores.
POST MORTEM FINGERPRINTING - means taking fingerprints of the deceased person for
identification purposes.
PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION - the first or main classification, which means the initial "sorting" of
sets of fingerprints and act as the key to all fingerprint classification and filing. It is derived to
certain types of fingerprint patterns.
PROXIMAL - when the exit of the loop formation points toward the wrist.
RADIAL LOOP (R) - when the downward slope of the ridges about the cores is from the
direction of the little finger toward the thumb.
RECORDING - means the placing of their prints in their proper places on the card.
RECURVING RIDGE - is a ridge than curves back in the direction from which it started.
REFERENCE CLASSIFICATION - a classification derived from a set of prints having
approximating or questionable patterns. In other words, it is a second choice classification.
RIDGE - tiny elevation or hair like structure found on the epidermis and with several pores
elevated on the fingerprint portion.
RIDGE APLASIA - rare, as it is, this condition consist of a congenital absence of epidermal
ridges. The palmar and interphalangeal flexion creases remain normal, but as with hypoplasia,
there is an excess of very small creases on the skin. Some research shows that the palmar and
plantar surfaces do not sweat, which is very unusual.
RIDGE CHARACTERISTIC - are little details in the ridges of fingerprint patterns which are used
in comparing and identifying fingerprints. Sir Francis Galton called them "minutiae" but the
principal one is called "Galton details". In any event "characteristics" are those ridge structures
and elements which impart INDIVIDUALITY to a fingerprint.
RIDGE COUNTER - a small pointed instrument used for counting ridges.
RIDGE COUNTING - refers to the process of counting the ridges that touch or cross an
imaginary line drawn between the core and delta of a loop. The core and delta are not counted
only the ridges touch or cross the imaginary line are counted.
RIDGE ENDING - as its name implies, ridge ending is just the abrupt end of a ridge formation;
whether the ending points up or down in a fingerprint pattern
RIDGE TRACING - is the process of tracing the ridge that emanates from the lower side of the
left delta toward the right delta to see where it flows in relation to the right delta. The boundaries
for ridge tracing are the two deltas in whorl type pattern.
RIGOR MORTIS - is the stiffening of a body a few hours after death.
ROD OR BAR - is a single ending ridge in the center of a recurring ridge of a loop.
ROLLED IMPRESSION - is one made by rolling in inked finger from one side of the fingernail to
the other. It will record the entire ridge pattern of the nail joint of the finger.
SEARCHING - is the act of looking through a fingerprint file systematically to determine whether
or not there is a duplicate on file of a set of prints the technician has in hands.
SEMI VISIBILE LATENT PRINTS - are molded or plastic impressions. They are prints made in
plastic materials such as soap, melted candles, wax paraffin, putty the adhesive gums to
envelope and postage stamp are the like. This print needs no development, either, although
photography is more difficult than with visible prints.
SEQUENCING - means the placing of a group of classified sets into their correct filing order
before beginning to file or search them.
SHORT RIDGE - is merely a variation of the ridge dot. The name short ridge is an indefinite
term in that there is no specific length at which a ridge stops being short and becomes long. Any
ridge which is made up of more than one sweat pore and is shorter than most of the other
ridges in a pattern are referred to as short ridge.
SHOULDER OF A RECURVING OR LOOPING RIDGE - are those points, one on each side of
a loop, just where the ridge definitely begins and stops its recurve.
SPLIT RIDGES - an abnormality in the embryological process of different growth. The spacing
among ridges diverges from the norm to produce the appearance of split or paired ridges.
SUBSECONDARY CLASSIFICATION - means the ridge count or ridge trace symbols of the
patterns on the index, middle and ring fingers of both hands, whether all three patterns are the
same type or not. Letters "I" or "O" for loops and "I", "M", "O" for whorls and dash (-) for arches.
TENTED ARCHES - tented arches are variety of the arch family, but the ridge formation are not
so simple s those of plain arch. A tented arch is transitional pattern, because it resembles a
plain arch and a loop pattern. Generally speaking, tented arches are formed in one of the
following ways: 1. One or more ridges in the center of the pattern form up trusts. 2. The ridge or
the ridges in the center form a well-defined angle. 3. The pattern mat have two or three of the
four requisites of a loop, but be lacking one or two of the four essentials of a loop.
THE FINAL CLASSIFICATION - is the ridge count of the pattern both hands ype or nat or
whorls and the loop on the right little finger. If that finger shows no loop then the ridge count of
the loop on the left little finger is used, in which case the count is placed in the denominator of
the classification. When neither little finger is loop, the count of the whorl type patterns on the
right little finger, and if it is not whorl, then the whorl type pattern on the left little finger is taken.
When both little fingers are other than loops and whorl type patterns there is no classification.
THE KEY - is the ridge count of the first loop in asset of prints, beginning with the right thumb,
but not including either of the little fingers. If no loop appears on the thumb, index, middle or ring
fingers of either hand, there is no key classification. The key is placed at the extreme left and of
the classification line. It is always shown in the numerator, no matter whether it is obtained from
a right or a left hand finger.
THENAR ZONE - this is the large cushion at the base of the thumb. On this area may appear
loops, whorls or combinations of booth. On some palms there are no patterns at all in this area-
just a number of significant straight lines.
TIBIAL ZONE - this area is on the big toe of the foot. It derived its name from the tibia bone of
Patterns are almost never found in this zone, but there are cases when they do appear here.
TYPE LINES - are basic boundaries of most fingerprints. They are formed by ridges which run
parallel, starting from the lower corner or corners of the pattern and flowing inward and upward
toward the edge of the pattern area, where they diverge or separate, then surround or tend to
surround the pattern area.
ULNAR LOOP (U) - when the downward slope of the ridges about the core is from the direction
of the thumb toward the little finger.
UPTRUSTS - is an ending ridge of any length rising at a sufficient degree from the horizontal
plane. "A sufficient degree of rise" is an indefinite phrase, but in fingerprint classification, any up
trusts which rises at least as high as the width does so to a "sufficient degree."
VISIBLE LATENT PRINTS - are those made by the fingers smeared with colored substance,
such as blood, ink, grease, dirt or paint. Visible prints, as their name implies can be seen with
the naked eye without their being developed, if the developed happen stand out clearly in them,
photographs can be made without any treatment to the prints.
GLOSSARY
1. ANALYSIS OF FINGERPRINT = The unknown ridge structure (latent print) is examined. The
specific area of the finger, palm or sole of the foot suspected of making the impression is
determined. The clarity of the impression and the variety of details are established.
2. ANTHROPOMETRY = A system of identification of individuals by measurements of the parts
of the body developed by Alphonse Bertillon.
3. APPENDAGE = A short ridge at the top or summit of a recurve usually at right angles.
4. ARBITRARY COUNT = It refers to the number "one" added to the sum of the numerator and
denominator in the Primary Classification.
5. AUTOMATED FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AFIS) = An electronic
fingerprinting method that can digitize fingerprint information to produce inkless fingerprints.
Latent fingerprints are scanned and converted into an electronic image that is stored in a
database for rapid retrieval.
6. BICHROMATIC = A multi-colored powder used to process an object with the purpose of
visualizing friction ridge detail. To avoid damaging a latent print, powders are best applied with a
camel hair or fiberglass brush.
7. BLOCKING OUT = The placing on the fingerprint card the results of the interpretation of all
ten patterns by letters, symbols or numbers required for each rolled print.
8. BRACHYDACTYLY = Abnormal shortness of fingers and toes.
9. BULB OF THE FINGERS = The portion of the friction skin on the tips of the fingers, thumbs,
and toes in the digital phalanx, from side of the nail to the opposite side of the nail.
10. CHEILOSCOPY - The study of lip prints.
11. CLASSIFICATION It refers to the formula derived from a complete set of fingerprint patterns
or the arrangement of fingerprint records into groups or subgroups for filing purposes.
12. COMPARISON OF PRINTS The friction ridge structure (latent impression) is then compared
to the exemplars.
13. CONGENITAL - Of relating to a condition that is present at birth as a result of either
hereditary or environmental influences.
14. CORE OR INNER TERMINUS It is a point on the ridge formation usually located at the
center or heart of the fingerprint pattern.
15. CORIUM Dermis; often referred to as the true skin.
16 . CREASES These are thin, usually straight, narrow white lines transversely or formed side
to side, across the print, causing the puckering of the ridges.
17. DACTYL It means "finger" derived from the Greek word, "daktylos."
18. DEGLOVING The unintentional separation of the skin from the hands or feet, usually as a
whole which resembles a glove. This is the result of a deceased body's prolonged immersion in
water.
19. DELTA OR OUTER TERMINUS It is a point on the ridge formation at or directly in front or
near the center of the divergence of the type lines.
20 . DERMATOGLYPHICS Study of the surface markings of the skin; friction ridges.
21. DISCREPANCY A difference in two ridge impressions due to different sources of the
impression (exclusion).
22. DISTAL INTER-PHALANGEAL FLEXION CREASE - The top crease in a finger.
23. DISSOCIATED RIDGES These are usually ridges having no well-defined patterns. These
ridges are extremely short, appear like a series of patches caused by disturbance or
development process at early fetal life of the individual
24. DORSAL The backside of the hand, the non palmar side
25. DYSPLASIA - Ridge units that did not forin complete friction ridges due to a genetic cause.
26. EDGEOSCOPY An identification process where characteristics along the ridge edge would
be compared and evaluated for comparison purposes. These characteristics are the result of
the alignment and shape of individual ridge units as well as the pores close to the edge of the
ridge.
27. END OR TERMINATION An abrupt stop in the course of a ridge.
28. EPITHELIAL CELLS The millions of cells that line and protect the external and internal
surfaces of the body. Epithelial cells from epithelial tissues such as the skin and mucous
membrane,
29. EVALUATION OF PRINTS Similarities and dissimilarities present in the ridge structure will
each have specific value toward establishing the individuality of the area of friction structure. It is
either an identification, not an identification or the ridge structure is of no value for identification
purposes.
30. FABRICATED LATENT PRINT A "fabricated" latent print is a representation of print that
never existed on the surface from which its purportedly came. A fabricated print is fabricated
evidence produced by a police employee in order to bolster a case or frame a person.
31. FORGED LATENT PRINT A "forged" latent print is one which actually exists on a surface,
but was not left by the person person whose fingerprint it represents. A forged print would be a
latent print planted at the crime scene by by the true criminal in order to fool the police.
32. FRICTION RIDGE DETAILS (Morphology) An area comprised of the combination of ridge
flow, ridge characteristics and ridge structure.
33. FRICTION RIDGE UNIT Single section of friction ridge containing one pore.
34. INTERVENING RIDGES-The number of friction ridges between two characteristics. (Core
and delta)
35. KERATINOCYTE A cell which is found in our In their process of maturation, keratinocytes
die skin. It is the major constituent of the epidermis. and eventually become the horny protective
layer of our skin.
36. KNOWN PRINT (FINGER, PALM FOOT) = A recording of an individual's friction ridges with
black ink, electronic images, photography, or other medium on a contrasting background.
37. KONAI, RAJYADHAR It was one of the first people Herschel fingerprinted as a means of
identification. This was noted as the first practical use of fingerprints. On July 28,1858, Herschel
obtained the entire hand impression of Raiyadhar Konai as a signature on a contract.
38. LATENT PRINTS These are fingerprint impressions found at the scene of the crime.
39 . LIFTING OF LATENT PRINT This involves using some adhesive tapes (fingerprint lifting
tape) to remove powdered/developed print from a surface.
40. MACRODACTYLY Congenitally abnormal largeness of fingers and toe.
41. MAJOR CASE PRINTS A systematic recording of all friction ridge detail appearing on the
palmar sides of the hands. This includes the extreme sides of the palms, joints, tips, and sides
of the fingers.
42. MINUTIAE Small details.
43. NUTANT LOOP Also referred to as lazy loop or a dropping loop when the core of a loop
droops down over toward the delta. This usually occurs in the opposite hand as the slant,
especially in the index finger.
44. OLIGODACTYLY - Fewer than the normal fingers or toes. Oligo is from the Greek "oligos"
(few or scanty) dactyl from the Greek word "dactylos" (finger) few fingers.
45. ORTHODACTYLY Fingers and toes cannot be Bexed.
46. PARTIAL FINGERPRINT-A latent print in which only a portion of the pattern area is visible
or able to be recovered.
47. PATENT PRINT Friction ridge impression of unknown origin, visible without development.
48 . PATTERN FORMATIONS Friction ridge skin arrangement formed as early as the third
month of gestation.
49 . PELMATOSCOPY The science which studies the friction ridges of the soles.
50. PENTADACTYLOUS - Having five fingers on each limb.
51. PENTADACTYLY The occurrence of five fingers or toes on the hand or foot.
52. PLANTAR AREA The friction ridge skin area on the side and underside of the foot.
53. POLYDACTYLY A hand or foot having more number of fingers or toes than the normal
54. POLYDACTYLISM It is the appearance of extra finger.
55. POINTS It refers to the identical characteristics that are found in the fingerprints from known
and questioned sources. It includes all different types that occur outside the pattern area on the
finger as well as on the first and second joints of the fingers and the entire palm of the hand.
They are also present on the toes and the entire sole of the foot; they may be found in any area
where friction ridges ridges occur.
56. PORE An opening that is present along the surface of the friction ridges. It is fairly evenly
spaced due to the fact that one pore opening along with one sweat gland exists for each ridge
unit.
57. QUALITATIVE - The clarity of information contained within a friction ridge information.
58. QUANTITATIVE - The amount of information contained within a friction ridge information.
59. RECORD PRINT - This made for an identification file, or for a search to determine whether
the person has previously filed fingerprint record, or for comparison with chance prints are
recorded, with purpose.
60. RIDGE APLASIA - Congenital absence of friction ridge skin.
61. RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS - These are little details in the ridges of the fingerprint patterns
which are used in comparing and identifying fingerprints. This term is also known as minutiae.
These minute variations and irregularities in the ridge themselves.
62. RIDGE FLOW - The direction of a series of adjacent friction ridges in a directional
arrangement.
63. RIDGE PATH - The directional flow of a single friction ridge, the course of single friction
ridge.
64. RIDGE UNIT - Small section of a friction ridge containing one pore.
65. RIDGEOLOGY - The study of uniqueness of friction ridge skin and its use for personal
identification (individualization)
66. SAMPSON, WILLIAM C. - He is recognized as the most knowledgeable individual regarding
the recovery of latent prints from human skin.
67. SCARF SKIN - Dry or dead skin which has scaled and peeled away from the surface skin.
68. SECONDARY RIDGES - Ridges on the bottom of the epidermis under the surface furrows.
69. SEARCHING - An attempt to locate in a file a print identical to the current print, and thus to
establish an identification.
70. SEQUENCING - The placing of a group of classified set of fingerprints into their correct filing
order before beginning to file or search them.
71. SHOULDERS The point at which the recurving ridge of a loop-type pattern definitely turns
inward of curves
72. SPIKE - An ending ridge at the center of a pattern which forms an upthrust
73. STAPLE - A single recurving ridge at the center of the pattern area
76. TACTILE - Pertaining to the sense of touch
74. THENAR AREA The large cushion of the palm located at the base of the thumb
75. SYNDACTYLY - It refers to webbed fingers. Side to side fusion of digits
76. ULNA The larger of the two bones of the forearm, on the palmar side of the little finger.
77. UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS used to individualize patterns, specific details
78. UNIQUENESS Very uncommon, unusual, atypical, or remarkable, a degree of distinguishing
distinctiveness.
79. VERIFICATION OF PRINTS The opinion of the forensic identification examiner must be
verified by another qualified examiner
80. VOLAR PADS Palmar and plantar fetal growth that affects friction ridge skin development.
