What is dermatoglyphics?

Dermatoglyphics, the study of fingerprints, recognizes three basic patterns of fingerprints. They are arches, loops, and whorls. The lines or ridges of an arch run from one side of the finger to the other with an upward curve in the center. In a loop, the ridges begin on one side, loop around the center, and return to the same side. The ridges of a whorl form a circular pattern. Dermatoglyphics is of interest in such diverse fields as medicine, anthropology, and criminology.