Arrector pili muscle
Arrector Pili Muscle
The Arrector Pili Muscle (pronounced: uh-REK-tor PYE-lee) is a tiny muscle that attaches to the base of a hair follicle on one end and to dermal tissue on the other end.
Etymology
The term "Arrector Pili" originates from Latin, where "arrector" means "raiser" and "pili" means "of the hair".
Function
The primary function of the Arrector Pili Muscle is to cause 'goosebumps' or 'goose pimples' when it contracts. This contraction causes the hair to stand up which was originally a response in animals to appear larger and scare off predators or to increase the amount of air trapped in the fur to retain heat.
Anatomy
The Arrector Pili Muscle is a smooth, involuntary muscle that is found in the skin of all mammals, including humans. It is a part of the pilosebaceous unit, which also includes the hair follicle and sebaceous gland.
Related Terms
- Hair Follicle: The part of the skin that grows hair by packing old cells together. The arrector pili muscle attaches to these follicles.
- Sebaceous Gland: Small oil-producing gland present in the skin of mammals. They are part of the pilosebaceous unit to which the arrector pili muscle belongs.
- Pilosebaceous Unit: Consists of the hair follicle, the hair shaft, and the sebaceous gland. The arrector pili muscle is part of this unit.
- Goosebumps: The phenomenon that occurs when the arrector pili muscles contract, causing the hair to stand up straight.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Arrector pili muscle
- Wikipedia's article - Arrector pili muscle
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