Goosebumps
Posted by carmen on March 12, 2003
Q: do goosebumps cause hairs to grow?
A: No, goosebumps do not cause hair to grow. Goosebumps are caused by tiny muscles at the base of each hair that contract (get shorter) making each hair stand up straighter, not grow. As these hairs stand up more they are able to trap more air within an overall area and help keep a mammal warmer - the air provides insulation. As the poster points out, humans have the necessary equipment to make their hairs stand up but not enough hairs to really make a difference.
John Wiessinger ( March 13, 2003)
Filed under: Ecology