YOUR AMAZING BODY

WE ALL get goosebumps but they no longer serve a biological purpose – they are a ‘leftover’ from when humans were once hairy, ape-like creatures.

They are caused by tiny muscles attached to hair follicles that sit beneath the skin. When triggered, the muscles contract to pull the hair erect, giving the bumpy appearance.

Signals sent from the brain instruct the muscles to do this when we are cold, excited or threatened. But the response dates back millions of years, to when humans were covered in a thick fur. It would cause the fur to stand on end, to provide better insulation. If threatened, the same reaction would make humans appear bigger and stronger.