Finger ridge patterns and tactile sensitivity
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 6, 2026

Assessment of Midline Lingual Point-Pressure Somatosensation Using Von Frey Hair Monofilaments
Published on: February 21, 2020
Abstract:
Tactile sensitivity has been measured in 101 normal individuals (38 females and 63 males) of European origin, and compared with ridge pattern characteristics of the fourth fingertip of the right hand. There is a relationship of tactile sensitivity performance with the type of pattern, particularly in females, and also with the number of junctions within the pattern, particularly in males. The possible origin of sex differences in tactile sensitivity and in its relationships with dermatoglyphic variables is discussed. In spite of sex differences, optimal tactile sensitivity performance seems to be associated with medium-sized loop patterns which have a greater number of junctions than ends and also have grooves wider than ridges. The possible evolutionary significance of these associations is discussed in relation to evidence for epistatic genetic variation for pattern intensity.
Related Concept Videos
Somatosensation
Sensory Functions of the Skin
There are two main categories of receptors on the skin: capsulated and non-capsulated. The non-capsulated ones are mainly the pain receptors. The capsulated ones can be further categorized based on the...
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...
Design Example: Resistive Touchscreen
When a user touches the screen, the two layers make contact at a specific point known as the touchpoint. This contact reduces the resistance between...
Tactile and Chemical Senses

