Why We Get Wrinkled Fingers
One of the most popular ways to beat the summer heat is by enjoying a nice swim in the pool. However, if you spend too much time in the water, you may notice something odd about your fingers.If you look down at your hands, you will likely notice that they appear wrinkled. So, what causes these strange wrinkles when you are in the water?For a long time, people believed that fingers became wrinkled because they absorbed water. However, skin is a strong barrier that can keep out most external water. And if fingers did absorb water, they would become swollen, which is the opposite of wrinkling.Recent studies have shown that wrinkled fingers are not caused by water absorption. Scientists have confirmed that patients with nerve damage are less likely to experience finger wrinkling. This discovery suggests that finger wrinkles are controlled by the nervous system.When in water, the nervous system sends out a signal that tells the blood vessels in the fingers to constrict. The constriction reduces the amount of fluid in the fingertips. This evidence suggests that finger wrinkling is an active neurological response.Some scientists theorize that the human body creates wrinkles intentionally to aid in survival. The wrinkles on the fingers make it easier to grip objects when wet, as well as to climb after being in the water.So, according to the scientists, primates may have developed the adaptation of wrinkled fingers for these purposes. As an added bonus, this biological reaction helps people to grip their slippery pool toys better during summer.
Questions:1. What happens to your fingers after spending a lot of time in the water?
2. Why did people originally think fingers got wrinkled?
3. What does recent research suggest causes finger wrinkling?
4. How does finger wrinkling help people, according to scientists?
5. Do you notice your fingers wrinkling when you swim?
Why do you think this happens? How do you think wrinkled fingers help animals in the wild?
