title: The hypothenar radial arch and parathenar loop in palmar dermal topology: sex, bimanual and regional variation in samples from the British Isles.
abstract: Consideration is given to the regular recording of parathenar distal loops (Pa) and hypothenar radial arches (Ar) in palmar dermal topology. Frequencies are given for four British populations (the North Pennine Dales, the Mid Welsh Borderland, Pembrokeshire and Ireland) and regional variation noted together with sex and bimanual differences. Both Pa and Ar occur infrequently in normal populations, generally in less than 5% of individuals, Pa significantly less than Ar. Both attributes are similar in that they are significantly more common on right than left hands and in females than males. Three out of twelve comparisons between the North Pennine Dales, Welsh Borderland and Pembrokeshire data attained formal significance, in each case in the males. The former two regions were distinguished for both Pa and Ar; the latter two for Ar. This is more than expected by chance at the 5% level.
mesh_terms: D003878:Dermatoglyphics / Q000145:classification*; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D006113:United Kingdom