Question

The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine during sympathetic stimulation. Why epinephrine would increase the sympathetic response?

Answer 1

Answer: Because epinephrine activates the fight or flight response, related to the sympathethic response in the body.

Explanation:

The function of the Autonomic Nervous System is the regulation of the system cardiovascular, digestion, respiration, body temperature, metabolism, exocrine glands, and therefore keep the internal environment constant (homeostasis). While sympathetic activity increases in stress, the activity parasympathetic predominates during rest and satiety. The adrenal medulla originates from the neural crest and is composed of neuroendocrine specialized cells and are responsible for the production of catecholamines.

Catecholamines are dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline (epinephrine and norepinephrine). Epinephrine prepares muscles, lungs, and heart for more intense activity, in situations of stress. It promotes the increase in the force of contraction in the muscles and increases in the heart rate. It also leads to increased blood pressure and bronchodilation, for greater availability of O2.