Rugoscopy – Forensic MCQ

Regarding rugoscopy, all are true except?
A. Palatal rugae are used as a method of identification
B. Palatoprints do not change during growth
C. Primary rugae are less than 3mm
D. Secondary rugae are 3-5mm

Correct answer: C. Primary rugae are less than 3mm

View of the hard palate showing palatal rugae. Torus palatinus, a bony protrusion on the palate is also visible.

• Primary rugae are 5-10mm or more.
• Secondary rugae are 3-5mm.
• Fragmented rugae are less than 3mm.
• Palatal rugae are unique to each person.
• Harrison Allen, in 1889, suggested the use of palatal rugae for identity verification.

Ref: Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, V. V. Pillay, 14th edition, p77.
Image credits: Based on image by Dozenist.  Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:06-06-06palataltori.jpg