Adrenalin
Adrenalin (also known as epinephrine) is a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla (an endocrine gland in the human body).
The effects of the hormone adrenalin (or epinephrine) are similar to the effects of noradrenalin - the other hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla.
Adrenalin prepares the body for "fright, fight or flight" responses and has many effects, including :
The actions of adrenalin include :
- Action of heart increased.
- Rate and depth of breathing increased.
- Metabolic rate increased.
- Force of muscular contraction improves.
- Onset of muscular fatigue delayed.
- Blood supply to the bladder and intestines reduced, their muscular walls relax, the sphincters contract.
Increased amounts of both adrenalin and noradrenalin are secreted when the body is under stress.
See also: What is a Hormone ?
For further general information including the locations of the endocrine glands, see the Endocrine Glands of the Human Body.
More about the Endocrine System
- Introduction to the Endocrine System
- What is a hormone ?
- Water Soluble Hormones vs Fat Soluble Hormones
- Triggers for Hormone Release
- Hormone Regulation Feedback Mechanism
- Major Glands of the Endocrine System
- The Pituitary Gland
- The Adrenal Glands
- Non-endocrine tissues that release hormones
- Conditions of the Endocrine System
- Diabetes
