Types of Patterns:

People may have many of the same general patterns, but never the EXACT same pattern. There are 8 major types of finger print patterns. These eight patterns are put into three categories: Arch, Loop, and Whorl.

Arch:

Plain Arch: Plain arches have line across
the finger that runs smoothly from one
side to the other. There is no upward
thrust like the tented arch.

Tented Arch: Tented arches have lines
across the finger that thrust upward.
They are called a "tented" arch because
the pattern resembles a tent.

Loop:

Radial Loop: The radial loop makes a
downward loop that goes from the
pinky to the thumb.

Ulnar Loop: The ulnar loop makes a
downward loop that goes from thumb
to the pinky.

Whorl:

Plain Whorl: Plain whorls have
circles coming from the middle
of the finger.




Double Loop: A double loop has
two sets of loops on the finger.




Accidental: Accidental whorls have
a mix of patterns.