The analysis of dermal ridges and their configuration on fingertips has been of considerable interest due to their inimitable, permanent and unique characteristics. The present cross-sectional study is an attempt to assess sex as well as topological differences in fingerprint ridge density among adult population of Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, North India. The data comprised of 240 subjects (120 males and 120 females), aged between 18 to 24 years. The results obtained in the study revealed significantly (p<0.001) higher fingerprint ridge density in females than males at radial, ulnar and proximal topological areas. Both the sexes revealed a disto-proximal gradient of fingerprint ridge density i.e proximal < ulnar < radial in both the hands. In regard to radial area fingerprint ridge density of ≤11 ridges and ≥13 ridges had more possibility of male and female origin respectively. Fingerprint ridge density of ≤11 ridges and ≥12 ridges was more likely of male and female origin respectively in the ulnar regions. In proximal region, fingerprint ridge density of ≤8 ridges and fingerprint ridge density of ≥10 ridges had more probability of being male and female origin respectively. Results of discriminant function analysis further strengthen the conclusion of significant gender differences in the ridge density at all the counting areas, thereby confirming fingerprint ridge density as a potential tool for sex distinction.

Department of Anthropology Panjab University India

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