"I have goosebumps"! Saying this, a person feels like something is moving on his skin, leaving a trail of "goose bumps" behind it. It turns out that the feeling of goose bumps on the body is a studied phenomenon with a scientific explanation.
What are goosebumps?
When goose bumps run through the skin, it begins to resemble a goose bump, hence the second designation - “goose bumps”. The epidermis of a goose is dotted with follicles from which feathers grow. The follicles of this bird resemble human hair follicles, but surpass the latter in volume. Seals or protrusions on the bird's body become noticeable if a couple of feathers are pulled out. However, where do such protrusions on the skin of a person come from, if his follicles are much smaller? This is a rudiment!
Rudiment of "goose bumps". Lost meaning
The goose bumps reflex is rudimentary, that is, it has lost its practical meaning. It is called the pilomotor reflex, which was originally designed to keep warm. With "goosebumps", the hairs on the body are lifted due to the excitation of the nerve endings responsible for the contraction of the muscles related to the hair follicles. The process is regulated by the spinal cord. This lifting of hairs throughout the body is called piloerection.
In humans, piloerection is manifested as a result of experiencing various emotions (excitement, delight, fear, tenderness, and others). In addition, "goose bumps" can be the result of a lack of vitamins and metabolic disorders. Also, "goose bumps" can appear from the sensation of cold, or if you "sat a leg". The pilomotor reflex looks as if the bases of the hairs on the body are slightly swollen, forming a pimple. People in this case say that goose bumps have started running down their skin or that the hair on their heads has started to move. Piloerection is of no benefit to humans.
Goosebumps and animals
Many mammals actively use the pilomotor reflex. By lifting the hairs over the entire surface of the skin, heat is retained, which prevents the animal from freezing. In addition, animals, raising hair at the roots, show aggression when faced with danger. Such a reared beast is visually perceived more.
Goosebumps like a disease
In people prone to anxiety, suspicious and easily excitable, often "goosebumps" appear as a neurological syndrome. This is not a disease yet, but already a symptom that speaks of some kind of disease. Often, along with the feeling of "goose bumps", the patient also complains of pain and numbness. Such patients complain of constantly moving "running creeps" all over the body, a tickling sensation in the crown of the head, "goose bumps" on the back of the hands. If you experience similar symptoms, you should consult your local doctor.
