Water-induced finger wrinkles improve handling of wet objects

Abstract

Uponcontinuedsubmersion inwater, the glabrous skinonhumanhands andfeet formswrinkles. The formation of thesewrinkles is known to be an active process, controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Such an active control suggests that these wrinkles may have an important function, but this function has not been clear. In this study, we show that submerged objects are handled more quickly with wrinkled fingers than with unwrinkled fingers, whereas wrinkles make no difference to manipulating dry objects. These findings support the hypothesis that water-induced finger wrinkles improve handling submerged objects and suggest that they may be an adaptation for handling objects in wet conditions. © 2013 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society.