News1 min ago
Goose pimples
3 Answers
I go outside in the cold.. get goose pimples [thicken my skin to kepp me warmer?] I get in a hot bath..get goose pimples [increase my skins surface area to cool me down?] Why does the body respond in the same way to both an increase and decrease in temperature relativeto the body?
Answers
1 to 3 of 3
Best Answer
No best answer has yet been selected by Obo. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.
When we are cold, the hair on our body is lifted into a more upright position in order to trap a thicker layer of warm air close to the body for insulation. The "goose pimple" effect is a result of the erector muscles in each hair follicle changing shape to raise the hair into an upright position.
Not sure about when warm though - doesn't happen to me.
Not sure about when warm though - doesn't happen to me.
Click http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?li=MNI
&ArticleKey=7115 and a link will take you to an American medical website all about goose pimples...NB they call them goose bumps.
&ArticleKey=7115 and a link will take you to an American medical website all about goose pimples...NB they call them goose bumps.
In the last paragraph, you will see that an increased heart-rate - which probably happens to you on getting into a hot bath - can cause these, probably as part of our ancient 'fight or flight' responses.
1 to 3 of 3
