CUTANEOUS RESPIRATION IN MAN

Abstract

The rate of CO2 excretion and O absorption through the skin of the arm was observed at different temperatures and a con-stant relative humidity, and at different relative humidi-ties and a constant temp, [in a single subject]. The rate of CO2 excretion increases with rising temp. At 34[degree] C, there is a critical point above which the rate of CO2 excretion becomes 6 times as rapid per degree of temp, increase as at temp, below 34[degree] C. The O ab-sorption bears an approximately constant ratio to the CO2 excretion until 34[degree] C. is reached? at which point the ratio of CO2 excretion to O absorption becomes greatly increased. The rate of cutaneous respiration increases with the relative humidity due to the thermal effect of evaporation.