Question: Why do we get goosebumps when we are cold?

Hannah Grist answered on 16 Jun 2016:

Actually, goosebumps are a bit useless in humans!

When you get cold and see those tiny bumps on your arm, what is happening is that tiny little muscles under your skin are trying to pull the hairs on your arms up straight. If you run your fingers over your skin, you can feel the hairs standing up much higher than normal. It’s your body’s way of trying to keep you warm, because hair standing up form a thicker layer, like a shaggy coat. Unfortunately humans don’t really have enough hair to make a difference, not like dogs or bears.

Do you know the scientific word for getting goosebumps? It’s called “horripilating!” (Useful to impress people)