Embryogenesis and Applications of Fingerprints- A Review - Embryogenesis and Applications of Fingerprints- A Review - Open Access Pub

Fingerprint is an impression made by the friction ridges that are almost parallel at constant crest to crest wavelength. The pattern is dominated by central features, such as whorls, loops, arches and triradii. Fingerprints have been used for several decades in forensic and medical sciences. The fingerprints characteristics such uniqueness, consistency and universality are the main features that are used by forensic experts in identification processes, are well developed during intra-uterine life. Understanding embryogenesis of fingerprints is essential in linking its features to some disease conditions. The purpose of this review was to highlight information regarding establishment, formation, hypotheses and factors affecting fingerprints. Applications of the fingerprints in forensic and medical sciences were also highlighted. Both environmental (in utero) and genetic factors have role to play in the formation of the fingerprints. The primary role of fingerprints is personal identification; these can be achieved through revealing sex, ethnicity, diet and lifestyle of an individual. In another perspective the fingerprints can be used as tools in diagnosis and ascertaining presence of disease conditions, however, this is population specific. DOI10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-17-1539 Fingerprint is an impression made by the friction ridges that are almost parallel at constant crest to crest wavelength. The pattern is dominated by central features, such as whorls, loops, arches and triradii. 1 Clear inspection reveals dozens of other imperfections such as ridge endings, ridge bifurcations, island ridges etc. The type and relative geometry of these dislocations form the bases of the uniqueness of the fingerprints. 1, 2The uniqueness and consistency of the fingerprints throughout life, are some of the features used for personal identification. 2, 3The role of genetic factor in embryogenesis of fingerprints necessitates its correlation with disease conditions. 4 The purpose of this review was to highlight information regarding embryogenesisand application of the fingerprints patterns in forensic and medical sciences. This review may help in revealing information that is useful to forensic community in terms of establishment of identity. It may also provide additional information on the potential of fingerprint features as diagnostic and screening tools in some diseases condition. Pubmed, Science direct data bases were used while some information were collected by direct searching using Google search engine. Reference lists of identified articles were explored