Illinois Nail Technician Practice Exam

Which muscle is responsible for causing goosebumps?

1. Deltoid

2. Arrector pili

3. Trapezius

4. Latissimus dorsi

The correct answer is: Arrector pili

The muscle responsible for causing goosebumps is the arrector pili. This small muscle is attached to the base of hair follicles in the skin, and when it contracts, it pulls the hair upright, leading to the formation of goosebumps. This reaction typically occurs in response to cold or emotional stimuli, as part of the body's automatic response to preserve heat or react to fear. Understanding the function of the arrector pili helps to highlight the body's intricate response system to environmental changes. The contraction of these muscles creates a protective layer of air close to the skin, which can aid in thermoregulation. This makes the arrector pili an important muscle despite its small size, as it plays a role in the body's involuntary responses. To provide context, the other muscles listed, such as the deltoid, trapezius, and latissimus dorsi, serve different functions primarily related to voluntary movements of the arms and shoulders, rather than involuntary skin reactions like goosebumps. Thus, recognizing the specialized role of the arrector pili is essential in understanding human physiology and the body's adaptive mechanisms.