Which term best describes the raised skin features on the fingers and palms that form a pattern used for identification?

• A. Ridge lines
• B. Papillary ridges
• C. Friction ridges
• D. Dermal ridges

Answer: (C)

Friction ridges are the raised skin patterns on the fingertips and palms that form the fingerprints used for identification. These ridges come from the alignment of epidermal ridges over the underlying dermal papillae and give each person a unique pattern that investigators analyze for matching, including the tiny details called minutiae. While some texts may refer to these features as papillary ridges, friction ridges is the standard term used in fingerprint identification because it highlights the role of these ridges in producing friction for grasping as well as the distinct prints they leave. Ridge lines isn’t a common technical term, and dermal ridges isn’t the usual label for the identification-focused concept.