What are goosebumps?

Question

Obviously I know what they are...but why do they pop up?

What makes them look like pimples?

Answer 1

I agree with the nurse as to the muscles responding to being scared or cold but would add they also react when I am excited by something (eg kisses 0n my neck) als when something touches me emotionally, like music or a special conversation so they have a positive sensation too.

Answer 2

They are tiny little muscle type things next to your hair follicles called erector pilli, when you are cold or scared, these erector pilli pull up your hair. This is what causes the skin to bump ( the contraction of the "muscle") and your hair to stand up, it is a feeble attempt of your body to trap warm air closer to the skin.