erection, is involuntary. Researchers believe it is in
part the consequence of the release of stress hor-
mones, primarily EPINEPHRINE(also called adrena-
line), which stimulates the HYPOTHALAMUS. In other
mammals the pilomotor reflex raises the hair or
fur for warmth by trapping air near the skin’s sur-
face or to present an intimidating appearance by
making the animal appear larger than it is. Goose
bumps often accompany shivering, rapid and
involuntary muscle contraction to generate heat.
See also HORMONE; METABOLISM; MUSCLE; THYROID
GLAND.
granuloma telangiectaticum A noncancerous
vascular tumor, also called a lobular capillary
hemangioma or GRANULOMApyogenicum, made up
of entangled capillaries. A granuloma telang-
iectaticum appears suddenly as a shiny red NODULE
that bleeds easily with bumping or irritation and
may itch or hurt. Doctors typically remove these
growths because of their tendency to bleed and to
confirm the diagnosis through biopsy (examina-
tion of a tissue sample under the microscope). The
cause of granuloma telangiectaticum remains
uncertain; in some people the growth arises fol-
lowing trauma to the site, though the nodules
most often occur without a known precipitating
event. The growths may recur.
See also ANGIOMA; SKIN SELF-EXAMINATION;
TELANGIECTASIS.granuloma telangiectaticum 161