Why Do We Get Goosebumps?

Have you ever wondered why your skin gets those tiny bumps when you’re cold…

or scared? Let’s find out! Goosebumps happen when tiny muscles at your hairs' base

contract. These are called arrector pili muscles — cool name, right?

When we’re cold, these muscles tighten to make our hairs rise. Long ago,

this helped trap heat, keeping our ancestors warm. When we’re scared,

it's our body’s fight-or-flight response. A leftover reflex from when we had to look

bigger. to scare off danger, a primal survival tactic.

Animals still use it today! Ever see a cat puff up? when it’s frightened?