What is true about friction ridges?

Friction ridges are unique patterns formed by raised skin on the fingers, palms, and soles of the feet. They play a crucial role in gripping and enhancing tactile sensitivity. This characteristic is important in forensic science, particularly in fingerprint analysis, as these patterns are distinct to each individual and remain consistent throughout a person's life. The presence of friction ridges across various parts of the body, including fingertips, palms, and soles, makes them a significant focus in identifying individuals in criminal investigations.

The other options do not accurately describe the characteristics of friction ridges. Limiting their presence to only fingertips or hands overlooks their broader distribution on the palms and soles. Additionally, dismissing the importance of friction ridges during fingerprint analysis would undermine their critical role in forensic identification, as these patterns provide essential information for determining identity and linking suspects to crime scenes.