Fall is definitely here. Want to know how I know for sure? When I stepped outside this morning–with my sweater in my hand, but not on my back–I got a MAJOR case of the goosebumps. No, I’m not talking about those awesome and kind of freaky books we all loved, I’m talking about those icky little bumps that you get all over your skin when you’re cold, freaked out, or really emotionally moved by something.

But what are goosebumps, why do we get them, and what can we do about them? Here’s the scoop:

* Goosebumps are a result of your nervous system kicking into gear when your body feels cold or scared, when you think something is really wonderful, and sometimes when you’re sexually aroused.

* Basically, the tiny muscles around your hair follicles contract and make your hair stand on edge.

* Goosebumps, or “cutis anserina” as they’re called by doctors, don’t serve any real purpose to humans anymore, but it’s thought that a long time ago, when people were hairier, raising the hair follicle would both make you warmer and make you seem bigger to ward off any predators.

* When porcupines “bristle” and raise up their quills, they’re just having goosebumps like us–except their hair is a lot showier than the stuff that grows on our arms and legs!

* Goosebumps are obviously not contagious or anything to worry about, but if you see a friend get a case of them, you might want to offer her your cardigan!

Do you get goosebumps easily? Are you already wearing fall sweaters, or are you braving it in tank tops and sundresses? Tell me in the comments!

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