Anatomy and Physiology of Adult friction Ridge Skin

The Fingerprint Sourcebook - Chapter 2

National Institute of Justice

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Introduction

The anatomy and physiology of the friction ridge skin form the basis for several critical elements that underlie the examination process. The anatomy and physiology explain how the features of the skin persist, how the features of the skin age, how the skin responds to injury, and why scars that form are unique. Another element explained by the structure of the skin is the mechanics of touch. Understanding how the friction ridge skin reacts when it contacts a surface can provide valuable assistance during the examination of friction ridge impressions.

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Table of Contents and Preface
Chapter 1: History, by Jeffery G. Barnes
Chapter 2: Anatomy and Physiology of Adult Friction Ridge Skin, by Alice Maceo
Chapter 3: Embryology, Physiology, and Morphology, by Kasey Wertheim
Chapter 4: Recording living and postmortem friction ridge exemplars, by Brent T. Cutro, Sr.
Chapter 5: Systems of Friction Ridge Classification, by Laura A. Hutchins
Chapter 6: Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), by Kenneth R. Moses
Chapter 7: Latent Print Development, by Brian Yamashita and Mike French
Chapter 8: The Preservation of Friction Ridge Information, by Laura A. Hutchins
Chapter 9: Examination Methodology, by John R. Vanderkolk
Chapter 10: Documentation of Friction Ridge Impressions: From the Scene to the Conclusion, by Alice V. Maceo
Chapter 11: Equipment, by Julieanne Perez-Avila
Chapter 12: Quality Assurance, by M. Leanne Gray
Chapter 13: Fingerprints and the Law, by Andre A. Moenssens and Stephen B. Meagher
Chapter 14: Scientific Research Supporting the foundations of Friction Ridge Examinations, by Glenn Langenburg
Chapter 15: Special Abilities & Vulnerabilities in Forensic Expertise, by Tom Busey & Itiel Dror
Appendices SWGFAST Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination, Ver. 3.0