Which fingerprint pattern opens toward the little finger side?

• A. Plain Radial
• B. Ulnar
• C. Arch Loop
• D. Central Pocket

Answer: (B)

Fingerprints are described by the direction their loops open. A loop that opens toward the little finger side is called an ulnar loop, since it points toward the ulna on the pinky side. The opposite is a radial loop, which opens toward the thumb side (radius). Arch patterns don’t have a loop opening toward a particular finger, and central pocket is a type of whorl rather than a directional loop. So the pattern opening toward the little finger side is the ulnar loop.