Erector pilli
Erector Pili is a muscle associated with hair follicles in mammals. It is a tiny muscle that allows for the hair to stand up when the muscle contracts. This is often a response to cold temperatures or fear, a phenomenon commonly known as "goosebumps".
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the Erector Pili muscle is to generate heat when the body is cold, which is achieved by making the hair stand up, thus trapping a layer of air to insulate the skin. This is also the reason why humans get "goosebumps" when they are cold or scared.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The Erector Pili muscle is a small band of smooth muscle attached to the base of a hair follicle at one end and to dermal tissue on the other end. When the muscle contracts, it pulls the hair upright, creating a bump in the skin surface.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Abnormal function of the Erector Pili muscle may lead to conditions such as Alopecia, a condition characterized by hair loss. In addition, the muscle's response to cold or fear is often used as a measure of the body's Sympathetic Nervous System activity.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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