Which of the following best describes the term 'ridge count'?

Ridge count is a specific forensic term used to quantify the number of ridge impressions within a defined area of a fingerprint pattern, particularly in loops. This measurement is taken by counting the ridges that cross an imaginary line drawn between the core of the loop and the delta. Each ridge that intersects this line is included in the count, which makes option B the most accurate description of what ridge count means in the context of fingerprint analysis.

This is significant in forensic science because ridge counts can assist in the identification and comparison of fingerprints, providing critical data for examining the uniqueness and characteristics of an individual's prints.