Incipient ridges are also known as what?

Incipient ridges refer to the very early stages of ridge formations that are forming in the development of fingerprints. They are often considered subsidiary ridges because they contribute to the overall ridge pattern but are not fully developed or permanent. These ridges can be seen during certain stages of growth and are significant in understanding the complete ridge structure on a fingertip.

Recognizing them as subsidiary ridges is critical in forensic science, particularly in latent print analysis, because they may not always be visible or fully formed at the time of fingerprint analysis. An understanding of incipient or subsidiary ridges helps forensic experts assess and interpret ridge patterns effectively, which is essential for accurate identifications.