Title: Identify the anatomy of a fingerprint and the fingerprint’s value in forensics.
Course: Forensic Technology (15055) > Section: Collecting and Analyzing Latent Fingerprints

Identification should include

- the two main layers (epidermis, dermis) of skin
- the definition of fingerprint—impressions, caused by the epidermal ridges of the finger, that are left on a surface
- the reasons fingerprints carry deposits (e.g., residue from natural sweat gland secretions in the skin, oils, salt, water, dirt)
- the explanation that fingerprints are a natural identifier and unique to each finger and each individual.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why are fingerprints so important to forensic investigation?
- How reliable is fingerprinting in forensic science?
- Why would criminals try to alter their fingerprints?