Minutiae

Minutiae, in fingerprinting terms, are the points of interest in a fingerprint, such as bifurcations (a ridge splitting into two) and ridge endings.

Fingerprint contains special features (minutiae)

• ridge endings - a ridge that ends abruptly
• ridge bifurcation - a single ridge that divides into two ridges
• short ridges, island or independent ridge - a ridge that commences, travels a short distance and then ends
• ridge enclosures - a single ridge that bifurcates and reunites shortly afterward to continue as a single ridge
• spur - a bifurcation with a short ridge branching off a longer ridge
• crossover or bridge - a short ridge that runs between two parallel ridges

Minutiae also refers to any small or otherwise incidental detail.

External link: Friction Ridge Skin