goose bumps

goose bumps A temporary local change in the skin that starts with a stimulus, such as cold or fear. That stimulus causes a nerve discharge from the sympathetic nervous system, which is part of the autonomic nervous system. The nerve discharge causes contraction of the hair erector muscle (arrectores pilorum), elevating the hair follicles above the rest of the skin. Also called cutis anserina, goose flesh, and horripilation.