Arrector pili muscle

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The arrector pili muscle is a minute muscle found in the dermal layer of the skin. It is attached at the root of the hair, inside the hair's follicle. Under the control of the autonomic nervous system, these tiny muscles aid the body in temperature regulation. Sensory nerves in nerve endings of the skin send messages to the brain, which, if necessary, triggers contraction and relaxation of the muscle, or shivering, which generates heat. This action also makes the hair stand erect, causing "goose bumps".

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