Fingerprints are formed by ridges of tissue on your fingers. These ridges of tissue are actually all over your fingers, but on your palm side they're known as your fingerprints. They help you grip on to things tighter and feel things more sensitively.

Fingerprints are grouped into different patterns (some whorl, some loop, and some form an arch). The pattern type(s) of your fingerprints are inherited from both your mom and dad's fingerprints, but your fingerprints are unique to you -- the arrangements of the ridges in the pattern type are randomly created for each person. Additionally, your fingerprints will stay the same throughout your life, unless they have significant damage done to them and scar.