Arrector Pili Muscle - This is a tiny muscle that attaches to the base of a hair follicle at one end and to dermal tissue on the other end. In order to generate heat when the body is cold, the arrector pili muscles contract all at once, causing the hair to "stand up straight" on the skin.

What is the general function of the Arrector pili muscle?

The arrector pili muscle is a tiny muscle connected to each hair follicle and the skin. When it contracts it causes the hair to stand erect, and a "goosebump" forms on the skin. The hair follicle is a tube-shaped sheath that surrounds the part of the hair that is under the skin and nourishes the hair.

What happens to hair when arrector pili muscles contract?

The arrector pili muscles are small muscles attached to hair follicles in mammals. Contraction of these muscles causes the hairs to stand on end, known colloquially as goose bumps.