Which gland secretes epinephrine that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system in response to stress or injury?

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Multiple Choice

Which gland secretes epinephrine that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system in response to stress or injury?

During stress or injury, the body triggers the fight-or-flight response. The adrenal medulla, the inner portion of the adrenal gland, releases epinephrine (adrenaline) into the bloodstream when stimulated by preganglionic sympathetic nerves. This surge quickly mobilizes the body for action: it increases heart rate and the force of heart contractions, dilates airways, boosts glucose release from the liver and muscles, and enhances blood flow to muscles. Epinephrine works together with norepinephrine to amplify these effects across the body, preparing you to respond to the threat. Other glands have different roles: the pancreas regulates blood glucose through insulin and glucagon; the thyroid sets overall metabolic rate with thyroid hormones; the pituitary secretes hormones that control growth, metabolism, and other glands.

During stress or injury, the body triggers the fight-or-flight response. The adrenal medulla, the inner portion of the adrenal gland, releases epinephrine (adrenaline) into the bloodstream when stimulated by preganglionic sympathetic nerves. This surge quickly mobilizes the body for action: it increases heart rate and the force of heart contractions, dilates airways, boosts glucose release from the liver and muscles, and enhances blood flow to muscles. Epinephrine works together with norepinephrine to amplify these effects across the body, preparing you to respond to the threat.

Other glands have different roles: the pancreas regulates blood glucose through insulin and glucagon; the thyroid sets overall metabolic rate with thyroid hormones; the pituitary secretes hormones that control growth, metabolism, and other glands.

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