Goosebumps
Goosebumps
Goosebumps (/ˈɡuːsbʌmps/), also known as horripilation or piloerection, is a physiological phenomenon in which small elevations of the skin are formed due to the contraction of miniature muscles at the base of hair follicles. The term "goosebumps" originates from the phrase "like a goose's skin", referring to the similar appearance of the skin of a plucked goose.
Etymology
The term "goosebumps" comes from the resemblance of the skin's appearance to that of a plucked goose. The medical term, "piloerection", is derived from the Latin words 'pilus' meaning 'hair' and 'erectio' meaning 'rising up', which accurately describes the physical process that causes goosebumps.
Physiology
Goosebumps are caused by the contraction of arrector pili muscles, which are small muscles attached to hair follicles in mammals. This reaction is a part of the body's fight-or-flight response, and can be triggered by various factors such as cold, fear, nostalgia, pleasure, euphoria, awe, admiration and sexual arousal.
Related Terms
- Arrector pili muscle: The small muscles that cause hair to stand on end when contracted, resulting in goosebumps.
- Fight-or-flight response: A physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.
- Horripilation: Another term for goosebumps, derived from the Latin words 'horrere' meaning 'to stand on end' and 'pilus' meaning 'hair'.
- Piloerection: The technical term for goosebumps, referring to the 'erection' or standing up of hairs.
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