Key words: Histological serial sections/Dermatoglyphic pattern development/Volar pads/Volar skin of human fetal hands and feetAims. The human fetal period of life is when there is complete development of the dermatoglyphic pattern. However, to date not enough is known about the differentiation of the papillary terrain during prenatal life and which mechanisms are involved in this differentiation. The aims of the present study are to contribute to the clarification of the embryogenesis of the papillary ridges and to compare their development on the hands and feet.Methods. The hands and feet of 35 human embryos and fetuses were examined in the present study. We used a new and original method of orientation. The right hand with right foot or left hand with left foot of each embryo/fetus were placed together into one paraffin block. Three different planes of orientation were used.