Goosebumps: Causes, Why They Happen & What They Reveal

Goose bumps are bumps that occasionally appear on an individual's skin. The tiny muscles at the base of each hair contracts, and elevates the skin. This involuntary reflex develops when a person experiences intense emotions or is in an climatic environment that triggers the response.

Causes

• The release of adrenaline by the body causes goose bumps. Adrenaline is produced in small bean-shaped glands that sit atop the kidneys. The sympathetic nervous system mobilizes the body when it is under stress, and controls the release of adrenaline.

Function

• Goose bumps appear as a response to cold weather, as the body tries to create a layer of insulation. Additionally, goose bumps can be a response to fear, listening to beautiful music, remembering positive encounters, or any other such stimuli that cause strong emotions.

Appearance

• Goose bumps (also known as the pilomotor reflex) are most common on the forearms, but can also appear on the legs, the neck, and other hairy areas of the body.