Milady Cosmetology Practice Exam

What muscle causes goose bumps when a person feels cold or frightened?

1. Dermal Muscle

2. Arrector Pili Muscle

3. Cardiac Muscle

4. Striated Muscle

The correct answer is: Arrector Pili Muscle

The muscle responsible for causing goosebumps in response to cold or fear is the arrector pili muscle. These small, smooth muscles are attached to hair follicles and are found in the skin. When a person experiences a sudden drop in temperature or feels frightened, the body's fight-or-flight response triggers the contraction of these muscles. This contraction pulls the hair follicles upright, resulting in the tiny bumps we observe on the skin—commonly referred to as "goosebumps." The arrector pili muscle plays a role in helping to trap air and create insulation when it's cold, while in situations of fear or aggression, it can make an individual appear larger and more intimidating by raising the body hair. The function of this muscle is linked to the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. Other muscle types provided in the options, such as cardiac muscle, are specific to the heart and are involved in rhythmic contractions to pump blood. Striated muscle refers to skeletal muscle, which is responsible for voluntary movement and is not involved in involuntary reactions like goosebumps. The dermal muscle, while a term that could refer to muscles within the skin, is not the specific muscle responsible for goosebumps. Therefore, the arrect