Fingerprint trivia
Fingerprints are our personal stamp, since various scientific studies have revealed that there are no two identical fingerprints in the world. That is why this human characteristic has become so important in this technological age; and object of study for its many peculiarities.
Since when do we have fingerprints?
Although we commonly call these reliefs that we see on our fingers fingerprints, they actually have the name of papillary ridges. The papillary ridges are reliefs located on the epidermis of the hands; that is why we can observe them with the naked eye.
They take the forms of spirals, circles, arcs, etc. What we know as fingerprints or dactylogram is that impression that is reproduced on a surface when touched. We can naturally leave traces on any surface thanks to the combination of sweat and fat that our epidermis gives off through the ridges. Or also when staining our finger with coloring substances.
And since our footprints are unique and are present in all human beings, they have become a method of identification and personal recognition in many social fields.
Initially, fingerprints begin to form at the third month of gestation and be fully formed by the sixth month. Once we have our fingerprints, they will be with us for the rest of our lives.
Although it goes unnoticed, we also have papillary ridges all over the palm of the hand and on the palms of the feet. And each finger of these extremities has a different pattern from the other.
What determines its pattern and shape?
Currently there is no definitive explanation about what determines the pattern of the papillary ridges. However, it has been established that between the skin (specifically fingerprints) and the brain there is a connection during their formation.
This has been defined this way since the ridges are formed at the same time as the neocortex or also called the neocortex of the brain. This area is in charge of developing the human being’s most specific capacities; such as language, different abilities, memory, imagination, emotions, among others. Therefore, the pattern of the footprints says a lot about the entity of a person.
Likewise, the appearance of certain diseases, ailments, disorders or syndromes can also be reflected in these patterns. People with Down Syndrome, heart conditions or serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia had similar reliefs to people with the same illness.
Are there individuals without fingerprints?
Although it is not something very common, there are people without fingerprints. This anomaly is known as adermatoglyphia. The person who suffers from this alteration does not have papillary ridges on the fingers and palms of the hands, or on the fingers and soles of the feet.
It has been seen that genetics have a lot to do with this disorder; since several members of the same family can suffer from adermatoglyphics. The gene responsible for this condition is
SMARCAD1; which, when suffering from a mutation, manifests itself with the total absence of fingerprints. However, this abnormality is very rare and is not painful.
Are the papillary ridges erased?
Once formed during pregnancy, papillary ridges do not fade from our skin or change shape. Fingerprints are permanent and cannot be removed unless the person undergoes special cosmetic surgery.
There are many people who over the years have various problems with sensors or fingerprint readers. This may be due to the use of harsh cleaning products or frequent exposure to heat; which create bumps and scars on the skin. However, this does not erase the papillary ridges.
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