Question

Fight or flight reaction causes activation of

• A. The parathyroid glands, leading to increased metabolic rate
• B. The kidney, leading to suppression of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathway
• C. The adrenal medulla, leading to increased secretion of epinephrine and nor-epinephrine
• D. The pancreas, leading to a reduction in the blood sugar levels

Answer 1

The correct option is C The adrenal medulla, leading to increased secretion of epinephrine and nor-epinephrine

The adrenal medulla secretes two hormones called adrenaline or epinephrine and noradrenaline or norepinephrine. These are commonly called as catecholomines. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are rapidly secreted in response to stress of any kind and during emergency situations and are called emergency hormones or hormones of Fight of Flight. These hormones increase alertness, pupillary dilation, piloerection (raising of hairs), Sweating etc. Both the hormones increase the rate of heart beat, the strength of heart contraction and the rate of respiration. In addition, they also stimulate the breakdown of lipids and proteins.