Goose bumps

Goose bumps or goosebumps are the bumps on a person's skin at the base of body hairs which may involuntarily develop when a person is cold or experiences strong emotions such as fear, nostalgia, pleasure, euphoria, awe, admiration and sexual arousal.

Overview

The formation of goose bumps in humans under stress is considered to be a vestigial reflex. Its function in other apes is to raise the body's hair, and would have made our human ancestors appear larger to predators when they were frightened or cold. It also could have helped to provide an extra layer of insulation in the cold to keep warm.

Mechanism

The reflex of producing goose bumps is known as pilomotor reflex. It occurs in mammals, where the erect hairs trap air to create a layer of insulation. Goose bumps can also be a response to anger or fear: the erect hairs make the animal appear larger, in order to intimidate enemies. This can be observed in cats and some breeds of dogs. In humans, it can even extend to piloerection as a reaction to hearing nails scratch on a chalkboard, listening to awe-inspiring music, or feeling or remembering strong and positive emotions (e.g., after winning a competition).

In popular culture

Goose bumps are often associated with a person's "fight or flight" response. They are also associated with the perception of music, and some people may get them when scared, for example when watching a horror movie.

See also

• Piloerection
• Fear
• Cold
• Emotion

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