PILOERECTION Meaning and
Definition
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Piloerection, also known as "goosebumps" or "horripilation," refers to the involuntary natural response of the body when tiny muscles at the base of hair follicles contract, causing the hair on the skin to stand upright. This phenomenon can occur in various mammals, including humans, as a physiological response to specific triggers.
The primary purpose of piloerection is to provide a greater layer of insulation and protection for the body. When an individual experiences cold temperatures or experiences fear or emotional arousal, the body initiates piloerection to raise the hair, creating a layer of trapped air close to the skin that acts as an insulator.
Additionally, piloerection can occur due to emotional or psychological triggers, such as strong emotions like excitement, fear, or surprise. The response is often accompanied by related bodily reactions like the dilation of pupils or increased heart rate.
The term "piloerection" is derived from the combination of two Latin words: "pilus," meaning hair, and "erection," meaning to raise up or to stand upright. While its main function is related to thermoregulation and defense, piloerection can also occur due to non-threat related sensations, like the perception of pleasure or during certain physical activities.
Overall, piloerection is a natural physiological response that has evolved in mammals as a means of thermoregulation and expressing emotional states. It serves as an automatic protective mechanism to prepare the body for different conditions or to communicate certain emotional responses.
Common Misspellings for PILOERECTION
- oiloerection
- liloerection
- -iloerection
- 0iloerection
- puloerection
- pjloerection
- pkloerection
- poloerection
- p9loerection
- p8loerection
- pikoerection
- pipoerection
- piooerection
- pilierection
- pilkerection
- pillerection
- pilperection
- pil0erection
- pil9erection
- pilowrection
Etymology of PILOERECTION
The word piloerection is derived from two Latin roots: pilus and erectio.
1. Pilus means hair. It is the source of various hair-related terms in English, such as pilose (covered in hair) and depilate (to remove hair).
2. Erectio means erection or raising. It is associated with words like erect and erectile in English.
When combined, these roots form piloerection, which refers to the physiological phenomenon of hair standing on end, typically due to cold, fear, or strong emotions. It is commonly known as goosebumps or horripilation.
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