Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

How are epinephrine and norepinephrine released?

In response to a short term stressful stimulus, nerve impulses travel from the hypothalamus to the spinal cord. From there, the nerve signals travel to the adrenal medulla, stimulating the secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

What stimulates the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine?

Short term stress (fight or flight response).

What regulates the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine?

The nervous system.

What are the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine?

They increase the rate of glycogen breakdown in the liver and skeletal muscles, increase blood glucose, increase blood pressure, increase breathing rate, increase metabolic rate, and change blood flow patterns.

How does the increased release of glucose and fats from epinephrine and norepinephrine affect our bodies?

They raise blood glucose level; increase metabolic activities; constrict certain blood vessels; increase blood pressure; increase alertness; and decrease digestive, excretory, and reproductive system activity.

Where are epinephrine and norepinephrine produced?

adrenal medulla (above the kidney).