An inked finger impression shows ridges entering from the left side of the pattern area, recurving around a central core, and exiting on the right side. Two deltas are clearly present, one on each side of the core. The pattern should be classified as:
- A Whorl ✓
- B Radial loop
- C Plain arch
- D Tented arch
Correct answer: A. Whorl
Explanation
By Henry classification, a whorl is defined by the presence of two deltas with at least one recurving ridge enclosing or spiralling around the core; the presence of two triradii overrides any resemblance to a loop, since a loop can have only one delta. Plain and tented arches have no delta at all. C radial loop would be ruled out precisely by the second delta. When classifying, the examiner counts deltas first, making the two-delta rule the decisive discriminator against the loop options.
Reference: Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Nageshkumar G. Rao, 3rd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.