• Question: Why do we get Goosebumps??

    Asked by maryam10 to Alexander, Josh, Serena, Simone, Stuart on 24 Jun 2013. This question was also asked by mrmcfluffypants.
    • Photo: Josh Makepeace

      Josh Makepeace answered on 24 Jun 2013:

      Hi maryam10 – thanks for the question 🙂 Goosebumps happen when little muscles around the base of the hairs on your skin contract, and make the hair stick straight out from the skin, and you get the little bump on your skin.

      There are two main reasons why you get goosebumps – you can probably guess what they are! The first is when you feel cold. Goosebumps are one of the body’s ways of trying to keep you warm. Making the hairs on your body stick out helps keep a little layer of warmer air close to the skin, reducing the amount of heat you lose.

      The other reason is when you are experience a strong emotion, like shock or fear. Part of the adrenaline rush you get with a strong emotion makes those hairs stand on end!! For animals that have fur, it’s useful for them to have that happen, since it makes them look bigger, and that’s better if they’re trying to avoid getting into a fight! For us, we just get goosebumps!!

      Great question 🙂

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