Definition
noun, plural: palmar creases
A crease or line on the palm
Supplement
The lines on the palm called palmar creases are formed during embryonic development (i.e. by the 12th week of gestation). In humans, there are three major palmar creases: (1) radial longitudinal crease, (2) proximal transverse crease, and (3) distal transverse crease. In palmistry, they are commonly referred to as the life line, the head line, and the heart line, respectively.1
Although palmar creases are associated more with palmistry they can be also used essentially, together with other symptoms, for determining manifestation of genetic disorders. For instance, the single transverse palmar crease is one of the physical attributes of individuals with a trisomy 21 condition (Down syndrome). Single transverse palmar crease is a single crease extending across the palm of the hand. It is formed by the fusion of the two palmar creases, particularly the head and the heart lines. Nevertheless, a single transverse palmar crease does not necessarily indicate genetic disorders. If it does occur together with the other symptoms or physical signs then further medical diagnosis might be essential.
Also called:
- palmar line
See also:
Reference(s):
1 Sharma, D. K. & Sharma, V. (2011). Prevalences of Simian, Sydney and Suwon creases and their association with each other, body sides, handedness, gender and anomalies/diseases/syndromes in a population of Central India. Int. J. Morphol., 29(3):1069-1075.
