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The arrector pili muscle, also known as the hair erector muscle, is a small muscle attached to hair follicles in mammals. The muscle is responsible for causing the hair follicle to become more perpendicular to the surface of the skin, resulting in goose bumps or goose flesh. The arrector pili muscle has been the subject of various studies, particularly regarding its possible role in hair loss and new hair growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Arrector pili muscle (APM) |
| Other Names | Hair erector muscles |
| Composition | A bundle of smooth muscle fibres |
| Function | Pulls hair into a vertical position, forming goose bumps |
| Controlled By | Sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system |
| Contraction | Involuntary |
| Stimuli | Cold, fear, α1-adrenergic receptor agonist |
| Role | Provides thermal insulation, aids expulsion of the sebaceous gland's contents |
| Associated Conditions | Alopecia, hair loss, hirsutism, lupus erythematosus, telogen effluvium |
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What You'll Learn
The arrector pili muscle (APM) is responsible for goosebumps
The arrector pili muscle (APM) is a small band of smooth muscle fibres that connects the hair follicle to the connective tissue of the basement membrane. The APM is responsible for goosebumps, a process known as piloerection. When the APM contracts, it pulls the hair into a vertical position, forming small bumps on the skin. This involuntary contraction occurs in response to various stimuli, such as cold temperatures or fear, which activate the sympathetic nervous system.
The APM is composed of a bundle of muscle fibres that attach to several hair follicles, forming a follicular unit. The muscle attaches proximally to the hair follicle at the bulge, which is a known stem cell niche. The APM's contraction not only causes goosebumps but also aids in thermoregulation by increasing air-trapping between the erect hairs, providing insulation and helping the body retain heat.
In addition to its role in goosebumps and thermoregulation, the APM is also believed to play a role in maintaining the integrity and stability of the hair follicle. Recent studies have explored the possibility that manipulating the APM's contraction could help treat hair loss by stalling the hair cycle and preventing the loss of existing hair. Skin conditions, such as leprosy, can damage the APM, preventing its contraction and potentially contributing to hair shedding.
The APM is an essential component of the hair follicle structure, which also includes the sebaceous gland and the apocrine sweat glands. The interaction between the APM and the sebaceous gland is particularly interesting, as the contraction of the APM aids in the expulsion of the gland's contents, known as sebum, an oily or waxy substance. The APM, therefore, has multiple functions that contribute to the overall health and appearance of the hair and skin.
In summary, the arrector pili muscle (APM) is responsible for goosebumps, but its role extends beyond that. By contracting and relaxing, it helps regulate body temperature, contributes to hair and skin health, and plays a part in the complex process of hair growth and shedding.
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APM is essential for new hair growth
The arrector pili muscle (APM) is a small band of smooth muscle that connects the hair follicle to the connective tissue of the basement membrane. The APM is responsible for piloerection, or "goosebumps", and mediates thermoregulation by contracting to increase air-trapping. While the APM was once thought to be vestigial in humans, recent studies have indicated that it may play a role in maintaining follicular integrity and stability.
APM degeneration has been linked to irreversible alopecia. In the early stages of hair loss, patients usually notice hair thinning and a decrease in ponytail volume. As the disease progresses, the APM loses its attachment to the secondary follicles, followed by the primary follicle, resulting in complete baldness. Studies have also found significant decreases in muscle volume and extensive fat infiltration around the residual APM of hair follicles in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
The hair follicle is a complex mini-organ that produces hair shafts from terminally differentiated keratinocytes. It forms the pilosebaceous unit in association with the sebaceous gland, apocrine gland, and APM. The APM inserts at the hair bulge, which sits on the outer root sheath at the lowest point of the isthmus. The rate of linear hair growth is relatively constant throughout life, and the main determinant of hair length is the duration of the anagen phase.
Therefore, it can be inferred that the APM is essential for new hair growth. Maintaining healthy APMs through proper nutrition and avoiding skin conditions that can cause damage may help prevent hair loss and promote new hair growth.
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Hair loss can be treated by stalling the hair cycle
While there is no direct evidence that stalling the hair cycle can treat hair loss, understanding the hair growth cycle can help identify ways to prevent or treat premature hair loss. The hair growth cycle consists of four stages: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen. During the anagen phase, the hair grows actively as the cells in the lower part of the hair follicle divide rapidly. The catagen phase is the transitional stage where the lower part of the hair stops dividing, and the hair follicle shrinks. In the telogen phase, hair growth stops, and the hair is shed, making way for new hair to take its place.
Hair loss can occur due to various reasons, including genetics, hormones, and stress. Alopecia areata, for instance, is caused when the body's immune system attacks healthy hair follicles. Scarring alopecia is caused by hair follicle destruction due to inflammation, which can lead to permanent hair loss. Telogen effluvium is another type of hair loss that involves rapid shedding of hair over a short period, typically occurring after a physically or emotionally stressful event or a sudden hormonal change. This type of hair loss is usually temporary, and hair often grows back without treatment once the stressor is removed.
To treat hair loss, it is essential to identify and address the underlying cause. In the case of telogen effluvium, for example, healthcare providers may recommend treating the stressor or illness causing the hair loss. Additionally, certain medications, such as minoxidil, can be applied to the scalp to promote hair growth. Multivitamins containing iron or iron supplements, as well as biotin supplements, can also help promote healthy hair growth. In some cases, styling techniques, such as certain hairstyles, wigs, or hair weaves, can be used to conceal hair loss.
While there is no direct method to stall the hair cycle, understanding the hair growth cycle and addressing the underlying causes of hair loss can help treat and prevent it.
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The APM mediates thermoregulation by contracting to increase air-trapping
The arrector pili muscle (APM) is a small band of smooth muscle fibres that attaches to hair follicles in mammals. The APM is responsible for causing the hair follicle to become more perpendicular to the skin's surface, resulting in what is known colloquially as "goose bumps" or "goose flesh".
The APM is innervated by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, and its contraction is involuntary. Stresses such as cold temperatures, fear, or extreme stress can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, causing the APM to contract. This contraction has a principal function in providing thermal insulation for mammals.
Recent studies have also investigated the APM's potential role in maintaining follicular integrity and stability, as well as its relationship with hair loss and new hair growth. Blocking the APM's contraction has been proposed as a possible method to prevent hair loss and stall the hair cycle.
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The contraction of APM aids the expulsion of the sebaceous gland's contents
The arrector pili muscle (APM) is a small band of smooth muscle that connects the hair follicle to the connective tissue of the basement membrane. The APM is responsible for mediating thermoregulation by contracting to increase air-trapping, which causes the hairs to stand on end, known colloquially as "goosebumps". The contraction of the APM is involuntary and can be stimulated by stresses such as cold or fear.
Sebaceous glands are microscopic organs connected to hair follicles that release an oily protective substance called sebum. Sebum is a mixture of fat molecules (lipids) that includes cholesterol, fatty acids, and glycerides. It is produced by epithelial cells or sebocytes, which fill with lipids and eventually rupture, releasing their contents into the sebaceous duct. This process is known as holocrine secretion, where the entire cell disintegrates and becomes part of the secretion.
The APM is associated with the sebaceous glands, which are found throughout most of the body, excluding the palms and soles. The discharge of sebum from the sebaceous glands is aided by the contraction of the APM. This helps to maintain a skin surface lipid level that protects against water loss and aids in the conservation of body heat by hindering evaporation.
Therefore, the contraction of the APM aids the expulsion of the sebaceous glands' contents, specifically the release of sebum into the hair follicle and onto the skin surface. This process helps to maintain skin hydration, protect against water loss, and conserve body heat.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is called the arrector pili muscle (APM).
The APM is responsible for piloerection, or goosebumps. When the APM contracts, it pulls the hair into a vertical position and elevates the epidermis where the hair enters.
The APM consists of a small band of smooth muscle fibres that attach to several hair follicles.
Studies have shown that the APM is essential to new hair growth. Blocking the APM's contraction can prevent hair loss by stalling the hair cycle and preventing the loss of existing hair.
Yes, skin conditions such as leprosy can damage the APM and prevent its contraction.
