answersLogoWhite

0

Piloerection: the involuntary erection of hairs, as a result of a number of things such as anger, fear, stress, lowered body temp (feeling cold), etc

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Biology

What do goose bumps do?

goosebumps are the result of an involuntary contraction of erector pilae muscles that are attached to the follicles of hair. They are triggered to contract in order to create an insulating structure when it is cold. Due to a human's lack of hair as compared to other primates, the function of this in temperature regulation is virtually futile.


What are hair follicles composed of?

A hair follicle is part of the skin that grows hair by packing old cells together. Attached to the follicle is a sebaceous gland, a tiny sebum-producing gland found everywhere except on the palms, lips and soles of the feet. The thicker density of hair, the more sebaceous glands are found.Also attached to the follicle is a tiny bundle of muscle fiber called the arrector pili that is responsible for causing the follicle lissis to become more perpendicular to the surface of the skin, and causing the follicle to protrude slightly above the surrounding skin (piloerection). This process results in goose bumps (or goose flesh). Stem cells are located at the junction of the arrector and the follicle, and are principally responsible for the ongoing hair production during a process known as the Anagen stage.The average growth rate of healthy hair follicles on the scalp is 400 µm per day.Certain species of Demodex mites live in the hair follicles of mammals (including those of humans) where they feed on sebum.* epithelial cells from the dermis


What are goose bumps?

bumps that form on you to warm you up. its evolutionary.....amblulocetus was a prehistoric creature that lived after the dinosaurs...it was a type of aquatic mammal, in fact the ancestor of present day whales...but it had four legs...if u look at present day whale skeletons, you can see two small leg bones at the beginning of the tale....the common day whales have leftovers from their ancestor.........if you look at OUR ancestors, the primitive homosapiens....you'll notice that they have thick fur, it fluffs up to keep warm and it poofs out when they are frightened (to look bigger).....thats exactly when we get OUR goosebumps, when we're cold and scared!! Goosebumps are just lefovers!! :)


Related Questions

How is piloerection related to heat loss?

Piloerection, or goosebumps, is a physiological response where hair stands up on end. In response to cold temperatures, piloerection traps a layer of air near the skin to provide insulation and reduce heat loss. However, in response to heat, piloerection is not as effective in reducing heat loss.


Why don't birds experience piloerection?

Birds also experience piloerection. Piloerection is the process by which mammals get goosebumps from cold weather or excitement or fear. Birds do have the same reflex of extending their feathers out, a function of keeping themselves warm. See here the Related Links for more information.


What does the word piloerection mean?

Hair standing on end.


What is the scientific term for erection of hair?

The scientific term for erection of hair is piloerection. This occurs when the erector muscles attached to hair follicles contract, causing the hair to stand up. It is commonly known as "goosebumps" or "horripilation."


What in the integumentary system causes cat's hair to stand up when they get scared or angry?

The technical term for a cat's hair standing on end is piloerection. As stress-related hormones cascade, tiny muscles in the skin at the base of each hair contract, lifting the hair away from the skin. When a cat experiences piloerection, they may hiss, spit, scratch, bite, have dilated pupils, puff up again, or act abnormally.


What complication is occurring for a person who has a spinal cord injury above T6 and is experiencing paroxysmal hypertension ans has piloerection and sweating above the spinal cord lesion?

Autonomic hyperreflexia


Do geese get goose bumps?

No, while Geese and other birds have a reaction to cold that make their feathers straighten they don't have have a piloerection reaction or the pilomotor reflex like humans and other mammals get.


Why do cats' backs keep twitching?

Cats' backs twitch because of a reflex called the "piloerection reflex," which is triggered by excitement, fear, or irritation. This reflex causes the muscles along the cat's back to contract, making the fur stand on end.


Why do cats' backs ripple when they are excited or feeling playful?

When cats' backs ripple, it is a sign of excitement or playfulness. This behavior is known as piloerection, where the muscles in the skin contract, causing the fur to stand on end. It is a natural response to heightened emotions in cats.


Why is my cat's tail bushy?

A cat's tail may become bushy as a sign of fear, excitement, or aggression. This reaction, known as piloerection, occurs when the muscles at the base of the hair follicles contract, causing the hair to stand on end and the tail to appear bushy.


Why does my cat's tail get puffy when playing?

When a cat's tail gets puffy while playing, it is a sign that the cat is feeling excited, anxious, or threatened. This reaction, known as piloerection, is a natural response that helps the cat appear larger and more intimidating to potential threats.


Why does my cat scrunch his back?

When a cat scrunches its back, it is often a sign of feeling threatened or defensive. This behavior, known as "piloerection," is a way for cats to make themselves appear larger and more intimidating to potential threats. It can also be a response to being startled or feeling anxious.