Dermatoglyphic Characteristics of the Hands and Feet in a Cohort of Second-Year Nursing Science Students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

ermatoglyphics, which is the study of epidermal ridge patterns on the fingers, palms, toes, and soles offers valuable insights into developmental biology, forensic identification, and population genetics. In this study, we investigated hand and foot dermatoglyphic characteristics among second-year female Nursing Science students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Nigeria; with the aim of evaluating pattern distribution, bilateral symmetry, and the relationship between manual and pedal ridge systems. Fingerprint patterns, ridge counts, and palmar triradial angles were recorded from the thumbs and middle fingers, while hallux patterns and ridge counts were assessed for the feet. Data were analysed for bilateral differences and correlations between hand and foot variables. Loops emerged as the predominant fingerprint pattern, followed by whorls and arches, consistent with global dermatoglyphic trends. Ridge counts demonstrated strong bilateral symmetry in both thumbs and middle fingers, reflecting high developmental stability, whereas palmar triradial angles showed significant side differences, possibly reflecting normal anatomical variation or subtle handedness effects. Hallux pattern distribution and ridge counts were largely symmetrical, and moderate positive correlations were observed between digital and hallux ridge counts, indicating shared genetic and morphogenetic influences. Overall, these findings affirm the reliability of dermatoglyphics as a stable and heritable phenotypic marker with relevance for forensic and anthropological research. The study provides baseline data on dermatoglyphic traits among young adult females in southwestern Nigeria and underscores the value of integrated hand–foot analyses in understanding population variability, sexual dimorphism, and developmental stability.