Goosebumps are produced by contraction of pilomotor muscles?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not enough information
• D. Only in children

Answer: (A)

Goosebumps come from piloerection, which is the contraction of pilomotor (arrector pili) muscles. These are tiny smooth muscles attached to each hair follicle in the dermis. When the sympathetic nervous system sends its signal, these muscles contract, making the hair stand upright and producing the characteristic bumpy skin. It’s a reflex that’s more about a vestigial response from our furry ancestors than about a need in modern humans, though it can help with insulation in animals. The control is through sympathetic nerves releasing norepinephrine onto the smooth muscle, causing contraction. So the statement is true.