On hard nipples and goosebumps

Discussion in 'Human Science' started by Plazma Inferno!, Aug 30, 2016.

  1. Plazma Inferno! Ding Ding Ding Ding Administrator

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    Swedish researchers made the discovery while mapping out the various nerve cells that ferry messages around the body in times of emotional distress, such as when the “fight or flight” reaction takes hold and prepares us for imminent danger.
    Another type of nerve that emerged from the study hooks up with hair follicles. When activated, the nerves contract tiny muscles around the hairs, making them stand up and produce goosebumps.
    All together, the team found eight different types of nerve that carry messages for the sympathetic nervous system, the part of the body’s neural wiring that makes the heart race and the palms sweat in anxious moments, but which also produces goosebumps, constricted blood vessels and hard nipples in cold weather.
    Until now, the wiring diagram of the sympathetic nervous system has been something of a mystery. But in an unprecedented effort, the team of researchers traced nerves from the spine to the tissues and structures in the body with which they connect.
    The findings suggest that cells in the sympathetic nervous system are separated into distinct types to ensure that after leaving the spine and threading their way through the body, they connect to the right tissues. Any mistakes in the wiring could leave a person in the unfortunate position of responding to danger with erect nipples.

    https://www.theguardian.com/science...ntists-discover-cells-that-cause-hard-nipples

    Paper: http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nn.4376.html
     

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