Why do we get them when we are cold .. what is their purpose?
2007-03-15 09:56:15 · 2 answers · asked by Brittany 4 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Goosebumps are a contraction of a muscle attached to thew hair follicle called the arector pilli [may be spell ed wrong] it contracts when you are cold and/or excited.
2007-03-15 10:41:11 · answer #1 · answered by Megan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The muscles under the skin are trying to draw togther the hair follicles, to try to hold heat close to the body. Shivering also creates friction and stimulates the blood flow.
We get goosebumps when we are exited or startled because it relates back to our ancestors. Ever see a cat arch its back when cornered? The cat it trying to look larger, to convince the molester to go away. It's the same principle, extreme emotion catches us unaware and the instinct takes over.
2007-03-15 10:06:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋