What is the function of the arrector pili muscle, and how is their function temperature dependent?

 What is the function of the arrector pili muscle, and how is their function temperature dependent?

o Attached to the hair sheath.

o Function is temperature-dependent; cold temperatures stimulate contraction of the muscle, causing erection of the hair, and thereby increasing thickness of the insulating air next to the skin and resulting in heat conservation; Warm temperatures cause the muscle to relax, allowing the hair to lie flat, reducing the thickness of the air layer and permitting heat loss.

o The emotional attitude of mammals also can be signaled through hair attitude; For example, frightened or angry cats and dogs often exhibit erect hair and an arched back.

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