Cutis anserina meaning

Cutis anserina, also known as "goosebumps," is the physiological response of the skin to cold or strong emotions, causing hair follicles to contract and create a bumpy appearance on the surface.


Cutis anserina definitions

Word backwards situc aniresna
Part of speech Cutis anserina is a medical term and is a noun.
Syllabic division cu-tis an-se-ri-na
Plural The plural form of cutis anserina is cutis anserinae.
Total letters 13
Vogais (4) u,i,a,e
Consonants (5) c,t,s,n,r

Cutis anserina, commonly known as goosebumps, is a temporary change in the appearance of the skin in response to cold temperatures, strong emotions, or other stimuli. This phenomenon is characterized by tiny bumps on the skin, caused by the contraction of miniature muscles called arrector pili. These muscles contract and pull the hair follicles upright, creating the appearance of bumps on the skin.

One of the primary functions of cutis anserina is thermoregulation. When the body is exposed to cold temperatures, the contraction of the arrector pili muscles helps to trap a layer of air close to the skin, providing insulation and helping the body maintain its core temperature. This is why we often experience goosebumps when we feel chilly.

Causes of Cutis Anserina

Goosebumps can be triggered by a variety of factors, including cold weather, fear, anxiety, stress, or even excitement. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for activating the arrector pili muscles, leading to the characteristic appearance of cutis anserina. Understanding the underlying cause of goosebumps can help us better manage our body's response to different stimuli.

Emotional Response

It's not just cold temperatures that can cause cutis anserina. Strong emotions like fear, anxiety, or even nostalgia can also trigger goosebumps. This is why we might experience goosebumps when we watch a scary movie or listen to a moving piece of music. The body's response to emotional stimuli is closely linked to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to the contraction of arrector pili muscles.

Evolutionary Significance

The presence of goosebumps in humans is a vestigial reflex from our evolutionary past. In our ancestors, the ability to raise body hair provided better insulation and made the individual appear larger when threatened. While we may no longer have as much hair as our early ancestors, the mechanism of cutis anserina still exists as a small reminder of our evolutionary history.

In conclusion, cutis anserina is a fascinating physiological response that serves both practical and evolutionary purposes. Understanding the triggers for goosebumps can help us appreciate the intricate ways in which our bodies respond to the world around us. So, the next time you feel a chill or a sudden surge of emotions, take a moment to appreciate the tiny bumps on your skin and the ancient mechanism behind them.


Cutis anserina Examples

  1. Feeling cutis anserina when hearing a favorite song.
  2. Experiencing cutis anserina while watching a scary movie.
  3. The cutis anserina response to a sudden drop in temperature.
  4. Seeing cutis anserina on your skin after swimming in cold water.
  5. The sight of a ghost gave her cutis anserina.
  6. The eerie sound of footsteps approaching caused cutis anserina.
  7. The touching moment in the movie elicited cutis anserina.
  8. His passionate speech caused cutis anserina in the audience.
  9. The suspenseful scene in the book created cutis anserina on her arms.
  10. Watching a live performance can sometimes trigger cutis anserina.


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  • Updated 21/06/2024 - 03:30:30