Purpose of Goosebumps

There are a couple of reasons why humans get goosebumps (also called goose flesh or goose skin). The process to make goosebumps starts in the sympathetic nervous system, which then tells the skin to flex its arrectores pilorum muscles. Often, what sets the sympathetic nervous system off is cold or fright. The raised bumps does make human skin somewhat resemble the skin of a plucked goose.

Cold

The most common reason for getting goosebumps is cold. The raised bumps help warm up the skin by making it more difficult for heat to escape.

Fever or Illness

A fever is usually a body's way to fight infection. People with a fever often get goosebumps and trembling chills. Sweating and goosebumps are signs of a high fever.

Fear

People get goosebumps also when they are frightened, no matter how hot it is. This may be an attempt to make us look larger by having out hair bristle.

Excitement

A surge of adrenalin can cause goosebumps to form, no matter if we are seeing something scary or experiencing a thrill ride at a carnival. Some people get goosebumps during sex.

Evolution in Action?

Goosebumps may be proof that humans descended from much hairier people or apes. It could be that in future generations as the body becomes more efficient, the ability to have goosebumps may be lost.

Resources

• Goosebumps
• Causes for Goosebumps