Which of the following patterns are recognized in fingerprint analysis?

The recognition of arch, loop, and whorl patterns in fingerprint analysis is fundamental to the discipline. These three patterns represent the primary classifications used to categorize fingerprints based on their unique formations.

An arch pattern consists of ridges that enter one side of a fingerprint, rise to a peak, and exit from the opposite side. Loops, which are the most common fingerprint patterns, feature ridges that enter from one side and exit from the same side, with a core from which the loop forms. Whorls display a circular or spiral shape with two or more deltas and are recognized for their distinct rounded formations.

Understanding these patterns is essential in forensic science and law enforcement, as fingerprint experts rely on these classifications for identification purposes and comparison of prints. The other choices refer to patterns that are not utilized in fingerprint analysis, which makes them irrelevant in this context.