• Question: Why do we get goose bumps and why do people call it that?

    Asked by beccawilko to Angus, Hannah, Simon on 26 Jun 2013.
    • Photo: Simon Holyoake

      Simon Holyoake answered on 26 Jun 2013:

      goosebumps are an involuntary reaction, usually to coldness, tiny muscles around the hair follicles contract which causes the hair to stand on end, and hopefully trap more heat and warm air around the body

      They are called this due to the small pimples observed looking quite a bit like the flesh of a plucked goose!

    • Photo: Angus Ferraro

      Angus Ferraro answered on 26 Jun 2013:

      Goosebumps can also happen when you’re afraid. When furry animals like cats and dogs are excited, scared or threatened, they get goosebumps which makes their hair stand on end, making them seem bigger. Porcupines are the masters at this – their goosebumps make their sharp quills stick out in a spiky ball!

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