PILOERECTIONS Meaning and
Definition
-
Piloerections, also commonly referred to as goosebumps or gooseflesh, is a physiological response that occurs in humans and many other mammals. It is characterized by the temporary elevation and roughening of the skin, resulting in the appearance of small raised bumps or ridges on the surface. The term "piloerection" is derived from the words "pilus," meaning hair, and "erection," referring to an erect or raised state.
Piloerections are triggered by the contraction of tiny muscles called arrector pili, which are attached to the base of each hair follicle. When these muscles contract, they cause the hair follicles to stand upright, creating the characteristic bumpy appearance on the skin. This response is primarily mediated by the autonomous nervous system and can be influenced by various factors, including emotional states, environmental stimuli, and temperature changes.
The evolutionary purpose of piloerections is believed to be related to the regulation of body temperature and a subconscious response to threat or fear. In some animals, piloerections can serve as a defense mechanism by making the animal appear larger or more intimidating to potential predators. In humans, however, piloerections have lost their protective function and are mainly observed as a vestigial response.
Overall, piloerections are a natural and involuntary response that occur in various situations and can differ in intensity and duration depending on the individual and the triggering conditions.
Common Misspellings for PILOERECTIONS
- oiloerections
- liloerections
- -iloerections
- 0iloerections
- puloerections
- pjloerections
- pkloerections
- poloerections
- p9loerections
- p8loerections
- pikoerections
- pipoerections
- piooerections
- pilierections
- pilkerections
- pillerections
- pilperections
- pil0erections
- pil9erections
- pilowrections
Etymology of PILOERECTIONS
The word piloerections is derived from two Latin terms: pilus, meaning hair, and erectio, meaning erect or raising up. Together, they form piloerections, which refers to the involuntary raising of the hairs on the skin, commonly known as goosebumps or horripilation.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
