Correlation Between Palatal Rugae, Dermatoglyphics and Blood Group - A Forensic Study

The palatal rugae is a unique feature in human beings, which retains its shape throughout life. Dermatoglyphic patterns too are constant and individualistic. Both can be used reliably as a source of identification of individuals. The epithelium of the primary palate as well as the finger buds develop from the same site and are of ectodermal origin. Embryogenesis has a genetic basis; so does the determination of the blood group of an individual. Hence, the present study was undertaken to find out the association between the palatal rugae pattern, dermatoglyphic pattern and blood group of an individual. Subjects with known blood group, aged between 10–15 years, were selected at random and informed consent was taken. Bilateral digit prints were obtained using endorsing ink and plain duplicating paper. The maxillary arch casts were prepared with alginate and type IV dental stone. The blood group of the subject was recorded. The general distribution of pattern of fingerprints showed highest frequency of loops while the predominantly seen palatal rugae pattern was wavy. The statistical analysis done were chi square test and ANOVA and it revealed a significant correlation between blood group and dermatoglyphic pattern.