Anatomy & SciencesQuestion 462 of 484

The arrector pili muscle is associated with which structure, and what does it do?

a.It is a tiny smooth-muscle slip attached to the side of the hair follicle; when it contracts it pulls the follicle upright and produces 'goosebumps' (cutis anserina) and helps squeeze the sebaceous gland to release sebum onto the hair
b.It is a striated voluntary muscle the client can contract on command to grow hair faster
c.It is the muscle of the nail matrix that pushes the nail plate forward
d.It is the muscle that opens and closes the iris of the eye

Explanation

The arrector pili is a small SMOOTH (involuntary) muscle that originates on the dermis and inserts on the side of the hair follicle. When it contracts in response to cold or fear, it stands the hair upright and dimples the surrounding skin to produce goosebumps. Its contraction also helps express sebum from the attached sebaceous gland up the follicle to the surface. It is not voluntary, not involved in nail anatomy, and not in the eye. Cosmetologists rely on integumentary anatomy daily under the general competence duties at Bus. & Prof. Code §7320. Options B, C, and D describe entirely different structures.

Law Reference: Bus. & Prof. Code §7320

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