Comparative investigations of human and rat dermatoglyphics: palmar, plantar and digital pads and flexion creases

Abstract

The morphological features of the palmar, plantar and digital areas of the rat were studied and compared to the corresponding human traits. The location and the timing of appearance of the volar pads and flexion creases of human and rat fetuses were investigated to determine the feasibility of using rats as an experimental model for studying the factors influencing early development of the dermatoglyphics in humans. Comparisons between analogous developmental stages of human and rat fetuses demonstrate striking similarities in overall fetal development. However, marked differences between human and rat fetuses were found in the timing of developmental milestones and in some morphological features. Provided that these differences are taken into consideration, rats can serve as a useful experimental model in studies of the utility of the epidermal ridge configurations and flexion creases in medical disorders.