Can Skin Absorb Oxygen?
Yes, skin can absorb oxygen, but not as efficiently as the lungs. The outer layers of the skin directly absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. While the skin primarily receives oxygen via the bloodstream, a supplemental amount is absorbed directly from the air. This is especially significant in certain species, such as amphibians and turtles, who utilize cutaneous respiration to a greater degree.
- Direct Absorption: The outermost layers of the skin (particularly in thinner areas) can absorb atmospheric oxygen. This process is more efficient in moist environments.
- Blood Supply: The underlying layers of the skin receive oxygen from the blood, as with all other tissues. However, the direct absorption from the atmosphere supplements this supply.
- Species Variation: Amphibians and some reptiles, like turtles, rely significantly on cutaneous respiration (breathing through their skin) for oxygen intake, especially underwater or during hibernation. This is because their skin is more permeable and moist than human skin.
Evidence from Research:
- Multiple sources (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2290093/, https://wtamu.edu/~cbaird/sq/2015/06/25/are-there-any-parts-of-the-human-body-that-get-oxygen-directly-from-the-air-and-not-from-the-blood/) confirm that the skin absorbs atmospheric oxygen. The amount is small compared to lung oxygen absorption, but it's still a measurable contribution.
- Studies like (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22494481/) quantify oxygen absorption by skin under specific conditions (e.g., oxygen-infused water). This highlights the skin's capability for oxygen uptake.
- Examples of animals relying heavily on cutaneous respiration (https://www.burkemuseum.org/collections-and-research/biology/herpetology/all-about-amphibians/all-about-frogs, https://fpdcc.com/did-you-know-3/, https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/featured-creature-salamander) demonstrate the significance of skin oxygen absorption in certain species.
