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Multiple Choice
Which structures in the integumentary system are responsible for producing goosebumps?
A
Sweat glands
B
Sebaceous glands
C
Meissner's corpuscles
D
Arrector pili muscles
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the question: The problem asks which structures in the integumentary system are responsible for producing goosebumps. Goosebumps are a physiological response to cold or emotional stimuli.
Recall the anatomy of the integumentary system: The integumentary system includes the skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, sensory receptors, and associated structures like arrector pili muscles.
Identify the function of each option: Sweat glands produce sweat for thermoregulation, sebaceous glands secrete sebum to lubricate the skin and hair, and Meissner's corpuscles are sensory receptors for light touch. None of these are responsible for goosebumps.
Focus on the arrector pili muscles: These are small, smooth muscles attached to hair follicles. When they contract, they pull the hair upright, causing the skin to form small bumps known as goosebumps.
Conclude the reasoning: Goosebumps are caused by the contraction of arrector pili muscles in response to stimuli such as cold or fear, making them the correct answer.