Cheiloscopy
Definition
Study of lip prints (Greek cheilos, lip; skopein, to examine). The furrow system on human lips was first described by anthropologist R. Fischer in 1902; Locard recommended lip prints for forensic identification in 1932; LeMoyne Snyder formalised the method in his 1950 textbook Homicide Investigation; the Suzuki-Tsuchihashi 1970 classification is the working scheme.
- Key classification system
- Suzuki-Tsuchihashi (1970)
- Role in forensics
- Complementary identification aid
- Etymology
- Greek cheilos (lip) + skopein (to examine)
Common questions
What exactly is cheiloscopy used for in forensics?+
Cheiloscopy examines and compares the unique patterns of lip prints to help identify people. Just like fingerprints, lip print patterns are individual and can link a person to a crime scene or confirm identity.
Is lip printing reliable compared to other forensic methods?+
Cheiloscopy is treated as a complementary identification aid, meaning it works best alongside other evidence like fingerprints or dental records. The Suzuki-Tsuchihashi classification system (developed in 1970) provides the standard framework for analyzing and comparing lip print patterns.
When was lip printing first used in forensics?+
The concept was introduced in 1902 and formalized for forensic work by Snyder in 1932. The modern working system, the Suzuki-Tsuchihashi classification, became the standard in 1970.
Related terms
- Suzuki-Tsuchihashi Classification
- The 1970 system that divides lip groove patterns into five main types (I, I', II, III, IV, V) based on groove direction,...
- ABFO No. 2 Scale
- The right-angle L-shaped reference scale with circular targets used in bite mark photography. Its design enables post-capture correction of lens distortion and...
- ABFO No.2 Scale
- L-shaped photographic reference scale issued by the American Board of Forensic Odontology, placed beside bite-marks before forensic photography to permit 1:1 overlay...
- Cameriere Method (2007)
- Adult age estimation using the pulp-to-tooth area ratio measured on periapical radiographs of canines.
- Canine
- Single-cusped tooth for tearing and gripping. One per quadrant. Often the last anterior tooth to be lost in old age.
- Class vs Individual Evidence
- Class evidence narrows the population (group of possible sources); individual evidence identifies a single source. Lip, ear and bite-mark evidence now sit...
- Concordance Criterion
- The minimum degree of pattern agreement required before an examiner can report a positive identification. For lip prints, no consensus criterion exists,...
- Deciduous Dentition
- The first set of 20 teeth, also called primary or milk teeth, that erupt from approximately six months and are progressively replaced...
- Demirjian Method (1973)
- Childhood age estimation using radiographic stage-scoring (A to H, eight stages) of the seven permanent left mandibular teeth.
- Dental Formula
- Per-quadrant notation of tooth types in the order Incisors.Canines.Premolars.Molars. Human deciduous 2.1.0.2, permanent 2.1.2.3.
- Forensic Odontology
- The branch of dentistry that applies dental knowledge and methods to legal proceedings, including identification of the dead, bite-mark analysis, and age...
- Gustafson Method (1950)
- Adult age estimation using six histological and morphological criteria (Attrition, Periodontosis, Secondary dentine, Cementum apposition, Root resorption, Transparency of root), each scored...
Explained in these topics
- Cheiloscopy: Lip Prints and Their Forensic ValueThe examination, classification, and comparison of lip print patterns for forensic identification purposes. From the Greek cheilos (lip) and skopein (to examin...
- Human Dentition: Types of Teeth, Age Estimation and Bite MarksStudy of lip prints (Suzuki and Tsuchihashi classification, 1970) as a complementary identification aid.
- Lip, Ear and Bite Marks: Cheiloscopy and Forensic OdontologyStudy of lip prints (Greek cheilos, lip; skopein, to examine). The furrow system on human lips was first described by anthropologist R. Fischer in 1902; Locard...