DERMATOGLYPHIC PATTERNS AMONG STUDENTS IN NORTH MACEDONIA
Journal
Academic Medical Journal
ISSN
2671-3853
Date Issued
2026-03-24
Author(s)
Paunkovska, Anamarija
Gontarev, Serjoza
DOI
https://doi.org/10.53582/j2605j57
Abstract
Introduction: Dermatoglyphics is a scientific discipline that studies the epidermal
ridge patterns present on the palmar surfaces of the hands, the toes and the plantar surfaces of
the feet.
Aim. An analysis of individual dermatoglyphic characteristics in healthy medical
students of Macedonian and Albanian ethnicity was conducted.
Material and methods: The study included 234 healthy students; palm prints were
obtained and dermatoglyphic parameters were read, classified and compared with data reported
in the dermatoglyphic literature. Imprinting was done by the Cummins and Midlo ink method.
The reading and classification of dermatoglyphic patterns were performed according to Henry's
system.
Results: Ulnar loops were the most prevalent patterns, followed by circular, arcuate
and complex patterns, which were present in a small percentage in both genders; radial loop
was present only on the second finger in both genders. There were differences on the right hand
for the second, fourth and fifth finger, and on the left hand for the third, fourth and fifth finger
between males and females. Also, significant differences were found in the third and fourth
interdigital spaces and hypothenar area. The triradii distribution formula in females was: a > b
> d > c > t; whereas in males it was: a > t > b > c = d. Additional triradii were rare in both
genders. The atd angle was within the range of 32ᵒ
-55ᵒ in females and 33ᵒ
-50ᵒ in males, most
often 40ᵒ in both groups.
Conclusion: This population-based study have shown similarities and differences in
the prevalence of some dermatoglyphic features in males and females among healthy students.
ridge patterns present on the palmar surfaces of the hands, the toes and the plantar surfaces of
the feet.
Aim. An analysis of individual dermatoglyphic characteristics in healthy medical
students of Macedonian and Albanian ethnicity was conducted.
Material and methods: The study included 234 healthy students; palm prints were
obtained and dermatoglyphic parameters were read, classified and compared with data reported
in the dermatoglyphic literature. Imprinting was done by the Cummins and Midlo ink method.
The reading and classification of dermatoglyphic patterns were performed according to Henry's
system.
Results: Ulnar loops were the most prevalent patterns, followed by circular, arcuate
and complex patterns, which were present in a small percentage in both genders; radial loop
was present only on the second finger in both genders. There were differences on the right hand
for the second, fourth and fifth finger, and on the left hand for the third, fourth and fifth finger
between males and females. Also, significant differences were found in the third and fourth
interdigital spaces and hypothenar area. The triradii distribution formula in females was: a > b
> d > c > t; whereas in males it was: a > t > b > c = d. Additional triradii were rare in both
genders. The atd angle was within the range of 32ᵒ
-55ᵒ in females and 33ᵒ
-50ᵒ in males, most
often 40ᵒ in both groups.
Conclusion: This population-based study have shown similarities and differences in
the prevalence of some dermatoglyphic features in males and females among healthy students.