What causes carbon dioxide to emit from the skin?

The skin does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2). Instead, it plays a crucial role in the exchange of oxygen and water vapor with the surrounding environment, through a process called diffusion. Here's how it works:

1. Oxygen Uptake: The skin contains tiny pores that allow for the diffusion of gases. Oxygen (O2) present in the atmosphere diffuses through these pores and into the skin's underlying layers.

2. Diffusion of Water Vapor: As the oxygen moves in, water vapor from the skin's surface diffuses out into the air. This process helps maintain the skin's hydration levels and prevents excessive drying.

It's important to note that the lungs are the primary organs responsible for gas exchange in the body. They facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between inhaled and exhaled air, ensuring an adequate supply of oxygen to the body's tissues while removing waste carbon dioxide.