Sõrmejäljest

Sõrmejäljest, known in English as fingerprint, refers to the impression left by the friction ridges of a human finger. These ridges are unique to each individual and are formed by the arrangement of epidermal ridges on the skin of the fingers. Sõrmejäljed are primarily used in forensic science for identification purposes. When a person touches a surface, oils and perspiration on their skin can transfer to that surface, creating a visible or latent print. Latent prints are invisible to the naked eye and require specialized techniques for development and visualization, such as using powders or chemical treatments.

The three basic patterns of sõrmejäljed are arches, loops, and whorls. Arches are characterized by ridges that enter from one side, rise in the center, and exit on the opposite side. Loops have ridges that enter from one side, recurve, and exit on the same side. Whorls are circular or spiral patterns formed by ridges. Within these basic patterns, numerous individual characteristics called minutiae, such as ridge endings and bifurcations (where a ridge splits into two), contribute to the uniqueness of each sõrmejälg. The comparison of these minutiae is the basis for matching a latent print to a known sample. Sõrmejäljed are considered a highly reliable form of biometric identification due to their permanence and individuality throughout a person's life.