Relationships between minute characteristics of finger ridges and pattern size and shape

We present results of a multivariate analysis of several characteristics of the ridge pattern on the tip of fingers III and IV of the right hand, with special consideration of the minute properties of ridges. The analysis is based on a sample of 38 females and 63 males of European origin. Results of factor analysis for the male sample reveal that pattern type and size load on one factor. Furthermore, there are separate factors for the two types of minutiae . If characters on both fingers are considered jointly, there are seven factors, identical for both fingers on some variables, but unique for minutiae , especially for junctions, on each finger. These results are consistent with evidence obtained in our previous study that junctions and pattern type are largely independent correlates with tactile sensitivity.