why do our fingers wrinkle in water review

When we soak our fingers in water, the outermost layer of skin swells as it absorbs water, and it compensates for the increased area by wrinkling. However, new research suggests that digital vasoconstriction, or the narrowing of blood vessels, may also play a role in water immersion wrinkling of the skin. The autonomic nervous system controls this reaction, which also controls breathing, heart rate, and perspiration. Wrinkly fingers improve our grip on wet or submerged objects, working to channel away the water like treads on car tires. This adaptation helps us get a better grip during wet conditions, and it acts like rain treads on tires. The wrinkles create channels that allow water to drain away as we press our fingertips onto wet surfaces, giving us a better grip. Although it is not clear why our fingers are not permanently wrinkled, scientists believe that it could diminish the sensitivity in our fingertips or increase the risk of damage through catching on objects. In summary, our fingers wrinkle in water to improve our grip on wet or submerged objects, and this is an active biological response controlled by the nervous system.