Did you ever wonder why we get goosebumps?

By David McClelland

Did you ever wonder why we get goosebumps?

Tiffany, my twelve-year old granddaughter, suggested that I research this question.

I did the research and here is what I learned. Actually, it is quite interesting.

Think about the last time that you remember getting goosebumps. It may have been on a warm summer day when you were swimming in warm water, but there was a breeze and the moment you left the water you felt a chill and got goosebumps. Or, maybe you heard a song from long ago, the song your grandmother used to sing to you when you were a child. Again, you felt a chill on your back and, again, you got goosebumps. Why would such unrelated events cause you to have the same physical reaction?

I learned that goosebumps are a physiological phenomenon inherited from our animal ancestors. They are tiny elevations of the skin that resemble the skin of poultry after their feathers have been plucked. These bumps in humans are apparently caused by a contraction of miniature muscles that are attached to each hair. Each contracting muscle creates a shallow depression on the skin's surface, which causes the surrounding area to protrude. The contraction also causes the hair to stand up whenever the body feels cold.

Apparently, in animals with a thick hair coat, this rising of hair expands to a layer of air that serves as insulation. The thicker the layer of hair, the more heat is retained. In humans, this reaction is useless because we do not have a hair coat, but we still get the goosebumps.

People may also get goosebumps during emotional situations, such as walking down the aisle during a wedding, standing on a podium listening to the national anthem after winning in sports or from watching horror movies.

Finally, the reason for these responses is the subconscious release of a stress hormone called adrenaline. In humans, adrenaline is produced in two small glands that sit atop the kidneys and not only cause the contraction of skin muscles, but also influence many other body reactions. Adrenaline is often released when we feel cold or afraid.

The next time you get goosebumps, remember that you have our animal ancestors to thank for getting them and Tiffany to thank for suggesting that we learn about them.