Why We Get Goosebumps

Look at your skin. Are there little bumps? You have goosebumps.

What are goosebumps? They are tiny bumps on your skin. They look like the skin of a bird without feathers. That is why they have this name.

Why do we get them? There are two main reasons.

First reason: the cold. When the air is cold, your body wants to stay warm. Tiny muscles under your skin pull your hairs up. In animals with thick fur, this traps warm air. Humans do not have thick fur. But our bodies still try to do this. The raised hair makes small bumps on the skin.

Second reason: strong feelings. Sometimes you get goosebumps when you feel afraid. You also get them when you feel excited. Maybe you hear a very good song. Maybe you watch a scary movie. Your brain makes chemicals. These chemicals tell your skin muscles to move.

Goosebumps are natural. They happen to everyone. They show how your body reacts to the world around you.

Do you get goosebumps when you listen to music?