Basic Patterns of Fingerprints

Arches

In an arch, the ridges on the fingerprint run straight across the print without redoubling back the way a loop or whorl does. There are two types of arches:



Tented Arch
The arch is very distinctive and thrusts upward
with lines underneath arch appearing curved

Plain Arch
A slight arch appears in the middle of the pattern
with underlying lines remaining consistently straight









          

  

Loops

Loops are ridges which turn or loop back, but don't completely twist in a full circle. Loops are classified by the direction which they flow toward, the radius or the ulna.



Radial Loop
This loop flows toward the radius, considering
that this is a right-handed print

Ulnar Loop
The loop shown above flows left in the direction
of a right-handed ulna

Whorls

In a whorl, the ridges on the print turn completely to make at least one full circuit. This means that at least one complete oval or circle shape will be easily visible.

Double Loop Whorl
Two separately distinct sets of loops which
individually make their own whorls

  

Plain Whorl
The simplest and most common whorl.
Plain whorls curve into only one full circular shape

                                                                                                         



Central Pocket Whorl
At least one ridge curves around to make
more than one full circuit

Accidental Whorl
This distinct set of ridges reveals a plain arch with two
additional types of patterns that make a full circuit