OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

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What does Arrector Pilli refer to?

  1. the elasticity of the skin

  2. maintenance of body fluid

  3. muscles which produce "goose bumps"

  4. connective tissue in the epidermis

The correct answer is: muscles which produce "goose bumps"

Arrector pili refers to the small muscles located at the base of hair follicles in the skin. When these muscles contract, they cause the hair to stand upright, which is what creates the phenomenon known as "goose bumps." This reaction is part of the body's response to cold temperatures or emotional states such as fear or excitement. The contraction of these muscles is an involuntary reflex, serving to promote warmth by trapping air close to the skin or to make an individual appear larger in response to threats. The other options do not accurately describe the function or structure related to arrector pili. Elasticity of the skin pertains to its ability to stretch and maintain shape, which is not associated with the contraction of these muscles. Maintenance of body fluid usually refers to processes related to hydration and homeostasis, which are unrelated to the function of arrector pili. Lastly, connective tissue in the epidermis refers to different types of support structures in the skin but does not specifically describe the muscles that create goose bumps.