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A fingerprint in its narrow sense is an impression left by the friction ridges of a human finger.

In a wider use of the term, fingerprints are the traces of an impression from the friction ridges of any part of a human or other primate hand.

A print from the foot can also leave an impression of friction ridges.

A friction ridge is a raised portion of the epidermis on the digits ( fingers and toes ), the palm of the hand or the sole of the foot, consisting of one or more connected ridge units of friction ridge skin.

These are sometimes known as " epidermal ridges " which are caused by the underlying interface between the dermal papillae of the dermis and the interpapillary ( rete ) pegs of the epidermis.

These epidermal ridges serve to amplify vibrations triggered, for example, when fingertips brush across an uneven surface, better transmitting the signals to sensory nerves involved in fine texture perception.

These ridges may also assist in gripping rough surfaces and may improve surface contact in wet conditions.