4.5: Fingerprint patterns

As you learned in the previous chapter, there are only three basic patterns of fingerprints, although there are subcategories within each pattern. Those patterns are loops, arches, and whorls. You must first understand the development of the fingerprint during the fetal cycle known as the volar development stage. This is the stage of development of skin and skin structure between eight and 18 weeks of gestation. By the 18^th week of gestation, a person’s fingerprints, the unique manner of identification, are firmly developed, and will remain the same throughout that person's life.

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