In acute stress, which gland releases epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla?

In acute stress, which gland releases epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla?

• A. Hypothalamus
• B. Posterior Pituitary
• C. Adrenal Medulla
• D. Adrenal Cortex

Answer: (C)

During acute stress, the immediate fight-or-flight response is driven by the sympathetic nervous system, and the adrenal medulla plays the central role in this rapid reaction. When stimulated by preganglionic sympathetic nerves, chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla secrete epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine into the bloodstream. These catecholamines prepare the body for quick action: increasing heart rate and contractility, widening airways, boosting blood flow to muscles, and mobilizing glucose. The other structures have different duties: the hypothalamus coordinates the response and signals via various pathways but does not directly release these catecholamines; the posterior pituitary releases vasopressin and oxytocin; the adrenal cortex secretes corticosteroids like cortisol in response to ACTH, not catecholamines.

During acute stress, the immediate fight-or-flight response is driven by the sympathetic nervous system, and the adrenal medulla plays the central role in this rapid reaction. When stimulated by preganglionic sympathetic nerves, chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla secrete epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine into the bloodstream. These catecholamines prepare the body for quick action: increasing heart rate and contractility, widening airways, boosting blood flow to muscles, and mobilizing glucose. The other structures have different duties: the hypothalamus coordinates the response and signals via various pathways but does not directly release these catecholamines; the posterior pituitary releases vasopressin and oxytocin; the adrenal cortex secretes corticosteroids like cortisol in response to ACTH, not catecholamines.