Why Do We Get Goose Bumps?
Why Do We Get Goose Bumps?
Why Do We Get Goose Bumps?
by Jessica Sinha
Ever wondered why your arm hairs stand up when you feel cold?
When you get goosebumps, your pores are elevated from your skin and the tiny hairs stand up!
This is because various stimuli (such as fear, surprise, or the cold) activate those tiny muscles that
are attached to each hair!
These muscles are called arrector pili muscles and they are attached to our hair follicles. The
contraction of this muscle is not caused voluntarily.
But what’s the point, you may ask? Our ancestors had much more hair than we do. So, originally
the purpose was to help us stay warm. In cold weather, the hairs would provide insulation so the
body does not lose as much heat
References:
Scientific American, Wikipedia
http://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/754/flashcards/2441754/png/1-1416CCF5BF27C53F6AC.png
FUN FACT:
When we get goosebumps, our skin
looks similar to that of poultry when
their feathers have been plucked.
Hence the term,
“Goose Bumps!”
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SPRING 2017
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