PILOMOTOR REFLEX Meaning and
Definition
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The Pilomotor Reflex, also known as the piloerection reflex or the goosebumps response, is a involuntary bodily reaction characterized by the erection of hairs on the skin due to various stimuli. This reflex is commonly observed in mammals, including humans, and is primarily associated with the contraction of tiny muscles known as arrector pili muscles that are attached to the hair follicles.
When an individual experiences certain stimuli, such as exposure to cold temperatures, fear, excitement, or strong emotions, the autonomic nervous system is activated, leading to the activation of pilomotor reflex. The sympathetic nervous system, specifically, is responsible for triggering this reflex. As a result, the arrector pili muscles contract, causing the hair follicles to become more upright and pulling the hair strands perpendicular to the skin surface.
As the hair raises on the skin, the skin appears bumpy, often resembling the skin of a plucked bird or chicken, hence the popular term "goosebumps." The purpose of this reflex in humans is believed to be a vestigial trait originating from our evolutionary ancestors. It served as a defense mechanism to make early mammals appear larger and more intimidating to potential threats or to create a layer of insulation against the cold.
In summary, the pilomotor reflex is an automatic reaction triggered by various stimuli that results in the erection of hair on the skin's surface. It is a survival mechanism that assists in thermal regulation, protection, and possibly social signaling.
Common Misspellings for PILOMOTOR REFLEX
- oilomotor reflex
- lilomotor reflex
- -ilomotor reflex
- 0ilomotor reflex
- pulomotor reflex
- pjlomotor reflex
- pklomotor reflex
- polomotor reflex
- p9lomotor reflex
- p8lomotor reflex
- pikomotor reflex
- pipomotor reflex
- pioomotor reflex
- pilimotor reflex
- pilkmotor reflex
- pillmotor reflex
- pilpmotor reflex
- pil0motor reflex
- pil9motor reflex
Etymology of PILOMOTOR REFLEX
The word "Pilomotor" originates from two components: "pilo" and "motor", each with their own etymology.
The prefix "pilo-" is derived from the Greek word "pilós", meaning "hair". It is often used in medical terminology to refer to hair-related terms.
The suffix "-motor" comes from the Latin word "mōtor", meaning "one who moves". It is typically used to describe mechanisms or processes related to movement in scientific terminology.
Thus, the term "Pilomotor" combines these components to refer to the movement or action related to hair. In the context of the "Pilomotor Reflex", it specifically refers to the contraction of the muscles around hair follicles, which causes hair to stand upright (commonly known as "goosebumps" or "piloerection").
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