Identification: fingerprint pattern types: practice question

A Forensic Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Forensic Medicine · Identification: fingerprint pattern types

Sample item

A fingerprint shows ridges that enter from one side, recurve and leave on the same side, with one core and a single delta. How is this pattern classified?

AWhorlBLoopCCompositeDArch

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Loop

Fingerprint patterns are classified by the number and arrangement of deltas. A loop has one delta and one core, a whorl has at least two deltas, an arch has no delta, and a composite combines two or more types in one print.

Option by option

A. Whorl
A whorl has circular or spiral ridges with at least two deltas.
B. Loop (correct)
A loop has ridges that recurve on themselves with a single delta, as described.
C. Composite
A composite pattern combines two or more basic types in the same print, which is not described here.
D. Arch
An arch has ridges that run across the finger without recurving and without a delta.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is B, Loop. Fingerprint patterns are classified by the number and arrangement of deltas.

Why is "Whorl" not the answer?

A whorl has circular or spiral ridges with at least two deltas.

Why is "Composite" not the answer?

A composite pattern combines two or more basic types in the same print, which is not described here.

Why is "Arch" not the answer?

An arch has ridges that run across the finger without recurving and without a delta.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Identification: fingerprint pattern types in Forensic Medicine. A loop has one delta and one core, a whorl has at least two deltas, an arch has no delta, and a composite combines two or more types in one print.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Identification: fingerprint pattern types?

Learn postmortem changes with their timelines, and toxicology as poison, sign, test and antidote. Then use the flashcards and the other Forensic Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.