Why do your fingers and toes wrinkle when you’re in the water for a long period of time?
In: Biology
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It’s an evolutionary advantage. Wrinkly skin has increased grip which is helpful when you’re dealing with wet surfaces. Like treds on a tyre or the bottom of your shoe.
The wrinkling of your skin on your toes and fingers is an autonomic response. The blood vessels in those areas shrink, reducing blood flow and causing the skin to fold over itself. Some people with nerve damage do not experience this response. The wrinkled skin provides a marked improvement in gripping wet objects.
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