Why do we get goosebumps on our skin when we are cold?

I have always wondered.. And I was going to check why in wikipedia but I knew it could just get informationa bout the kid horror fiction 'Goosebumps'.Why do we get goosebumps on our skin when we are cold?
Why do we get goosebumps?


';Goosebumps'; or ';gooseflesh'; is known in medical terminology as piloerection (pil is from the Latin word for hair). People experience this phenomenon when they are cold or frightened. The hair is able to stand on end due to the contraction of the pili muscles at the base of the hairs. When they are triggered by external stimulus, the tiny muscles become hyperactive and the hair stands up straight. Because humans have very short hairs, our highly visible skin displays many small bumps as the pili muscles contract.





All mammals are capable of piloerection. Some scientists think it is used for warmth. The fluffing of hair or fur creates a barrier between the sensitive mammalian skin and the cold environment. Within the hair area pockets, warm air is trapped, keeping the animal protected. Piloerection may also be a defensive reaction. With all of its hair standing on end, the animal would look larger, causing a predator to look for less imposing prey.Why do we get goosebumps on our skin when we are cold?
To retain heat.





We shiver to create heat through muscle friction.
its a way to keep the body heat in adn the cold out, the hairs on the arms, legs, and neck stand up and work as an insulator. i hope this helps you.
It pulls the hairs vertical so we have a barier of air to help keep us warm

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