Objectives: To know the distribution of fingerprint patterns on different digits in males and females.

Methods: In this cross - sectional study, 4000 rolled fingerprints taken from 400 medical students among which 200 were males and 200 were females, were studied. All healthy individuals with no history of any genetic disorders and skin disorders were included in the study. The present study evaluates the distribution of dermatoglyphic fingertip patterns in both hands among males and females and the findings of the study are compared with the available data.

Results: Out of the 4000 fingerprint patterns studied, Loops (57.2%) were the most common pattern followed by whorls (38.3%) and arches (4.5%) being the least common pattern. Loops were the most common patterns on the index, middle and little fingers, predominance of whorls was seen on thumb and ring fingers. Arches were seen most commonly (10%) in Index finger. Arches were higher on index fingers of males (17%) when compared to females (10%). In males, whorls, loops and arches were 39.6 %, 55.2% and 5.2% respectively while in females whorls were 38.2 %, loops 57% and arches were 4.8 %.

Conclusions: Frequency of distribution of dermatoglyphic patterns among Undergraduate Medical students differs from other population groups. Frequency of loops is comparatively lower while that of whorls higher. Bilateral variations and gender based differences could not be established. Similar studies in other population groups are recommended for better correlation.

Keywords: Fingerprint, Loops, Whorls, Arches, Ectoderm, Dermatoglyphic.

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Mukesh Prasad

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