At what week does the fingerprint start developing in a fetus?

The development of fingerprints, or dermatoglyphics, begins at around 14 weeks of gestation. This is when the basic patterns and ridges start to form on the fetal skin in response to genetic and environmental factors. This process is essential for individual identification, as these patterns are unique to each person and remain consistent throughout life.

While it is common to associate the formation of various fetal characteristics with specific weeks, the period around 14 weeks is critical for the initial stages of fingerprint formation. By this time, the skin structures are sufficiently developed to begin forming the intricate patterns that define individual fingerprints.

Other weeks mentioned, such as 12, 16, or 20 weeks, relate to different developmental stages but do not accurately reflect when the formation of fingerprints begins. Thus, the choice indicating 14 weeks is supported by developmental biology and forensic science regarding the timeline of fingerprint formation in fetuses.