What happens to adjacent ridges when one ridge ends?

When one ridge ends, the adjacent ridges typically flow together to fill the void left by the terminating ridge. This process is a natural characteristic of ridge patterns in fingerprints and reflects how ridge structures are interconnected. The continuity of ridges allows for a smooth transition, ensuring that the overall pattern remains cohesive and recognizable. This behavior is rooted in the biological development of fingerprints, where the skin’s formation results in interlinked structures that can adapt to changes such as the ending of a ridge. As such, the adjacent ridges reach out to maintain the overall integrity of the fingerprint pattern and enhance its functionality.