Goosebumps are caused by the contraction of which type of muscle in the skin?

• A. Arrector pili muscles
• B. Skeletal muscles
• C. Cardiac muscles
• D. Smooth muscles of the dermis

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that goosebumps are a physiological response to cold or emotional stimuli, causing the hair on the skin to stand up.
2. Identify the type of muscle responsible for this response. Goosebumps are caused by the contraction of small muscles attached to hair follicles.
3. Recognize that these muscles are known as arrector pili muscles, which are smooth muscles located in the dermis layer of the skin.
4. Differentiate between the types of muscles: skeletal muscles are voluntary and attached to bones, cardiac muscles are found in the heart, and smooth muscles are involuntary and found in various organs, including the skin.
5. Conclude that the arrector pili muscles, being smooth muscles, are responsible for the formation of goosebumps by contracting and pulling the hair follicles upright.