In the AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System), fingerprint matching uses 'minutiae' as the primary comparison points. The two MOST forensically important types of minutiae are:

• A Loops and whorls — the most common ridge patterns
• B Core and delta — the primary reference points in pattern classification
• C Ridge endings (terminations) and ridge bifurcations (forks) ✓
• D Sweat pores (poroscopy) and ridge breadth (edgeoscopy)

Explanation

Minutiae (Galton details) are the microscopic characteristics of individual ridges used in fingerprint comparison. The two most forensically important and most common minutiae types are: (1) Ridge endings (terminations) — where a ridge abruptly ends; and (2) Ridge bifurcations (forks) — where one ridge splits into two. These are the primary points used by AFIS for matching. Cores and deltas are pattern classification references (Level 1 detail), not minutiae; loops and whorls are pattern types; poroscopy and edgeoscopy are Level 3 details used in higher-precision comparison.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.