Ever wonder why we get goosebumps? Watch the video below to find out. Then read on to learn more about this strange skin sensation.
Did You Know ….
1. The term “goosebumps” comes from the way a person’s skin looks when they form: like a plucked goose.
2. Medical terms for goosebumps are cutis anserina, piloerection and horripilation.
3. Animals get goosebumps to stay warm. When animals with thick coats of fur get cold, the hair rises and creates insulation to retain heat. Because humans lack such a thick coat, the reaction results in goosebumps.
4. Some people get goosebumps when they listen to music. A study from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro found that people who are more open to different types of music and to new experiences were more likely to get goosebumps and chills from listening.
5. A person who is going through withdrawal from a drug may experience goosebumps – a possible explanation for the term “cold turkey.”
Medically reviewed in April 2020.
