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Dermatoglyphics is a branch of medical genetics, wherein we study of prints present on our palm, sole and lips, where hair do not grow. After the historical work of Edward Richard Henry (1850–1931), the commissioner of Scotland Yard, this science has taken a prime place in forensic medicine.

We already know that there are no two people in the world who share an identical set of fingerprint patterns. Even monozygotic (identical) twins who are produced as the result of splitting of a fertilized egg at a very early stage in development of the embryo have different patterns and so do nonidentical twins who are born as the result of the simultaneous fertilization and development of two different eggs. Certainly, no two identical sets of fingerprints have been found – yet.

Fingerprints, palm prints, sole prints and lip prints are recognisable by our naked eyes or under a simple magnifying lens with a source of light.

To cater to the widespread interest and its applicability, a Memorandum on Dermatoglyphic Nomenclature was published (Penrose, 1968). The Memorandum listed and defined dermatoglyphic features, outlined accepted methods of dermatoglyphic analysis and provided a nomenclature for universal standard.

Dermatoglyphic patterns are due to the convoluted layers of cells of the epidermis. At the peak of the ridges are found the pores of the sweat glands. Ridges are laid during embryonic growth and remain unchanged during postnatal development. However, extensive physical labor can wear them down and scars can distort the pattern.

The study of lip prints is called Cheiloscopy. This word has originated from Greek: ‘cheilo’ means lips and ‘skopen’ means probe or study. This science is also a part of Dermatoglyphics – as discussed before these are patterns derived from skin, where no hair follicles are present due to switch off mechanism for production of hair protein. Thus specific furrows and ridges develop, these are called Prints. Study of these prints found on the lips is called Cheiloscopy.

Studies have shown that the ridge patterns are inherited. The traditional method of comparing members of the families is by observing the presence or absence of particular triradius, loop or whorl or arch. The pattern intensity of total number of loops on the finger is genetically determined & inherited as dominant trait.

If we match our print with our parents, we will find that one of our
finger will be matching 100% exactly similar to father’s or mother’s. If
one’s finger is similar to father’s that means that individual has got more effective genes expression from father and vice versa.

Variations in print pattern is associated with medical disorder with special reference to chromosomal aberrations.

In 1983, the noted Harvard psychologist and educator Dr. Howard Gardner (Dr. Howard Gardner is Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education and Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, Adjunct Professor of Neurology at the Boston University School of Medicine and Co-director of Harvard Project Zero. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts), proposed the theory of Multiple Intelligences based on several years of research investigating how we come to know what we know about our world? How do we learn, process, and understand information? What is the process by which we acquire knowledge? In a nutshell, “What makes us smart? What makes us intelligent?”

Genetic counselling is not primarily ‘counselling’ in the psychological sense. Genetic counselling is non-directive and aims to explain the facts as clearly as possible, giving the person or family accurate information on their options in a way which they can understand, and helping them to make up their own minds.

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