Why does our skin do that weird bumpy thing when we’re cold or scared? I don’t get how it’s helpful!
In: Biology
> I don’t get how it’s helpful!
Next time this happens to you try taking a close look at where those bumps are. They aren’t just randomly lumpy skin, they are bumps at the base of hair follicles.
Those bumps are caused by “arrector pili muscles” tightening, forcing the hair to stand upright. If you had more hair or fur it would cause you to become more fluffy! This would trap more air and increase the insulation of the fur, acting to keep you warm as a reaction to being cold. It would also make you appear larger which could help in the event you feel threatened. If you have ever seen a cat get scared you can see them fluff up through this same kind of reaction.
Goosebumps are our body’s way of trying to keep us warm by making our hair stand up and trap more air. When we’re scared, it’s a leftover response from our ancestors who would puff up to look bigger and intimidate predators.
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