Which process is primarily mediated by the adrenal medulla?

Which process is primarily mediated by the adrenal medulla?

• A. Digestive enzyme secretion
• B. Salt and water balance
• C. Mediates the fight or flight response via catecholamines
• D. Production of estrogen

Answer: (C)

The adrenal medulla is the source of the body's rapid, systemic stress response through catecholamines. When stimulated, it releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream, triggering the fight-or-flight state: increased heart rate and contractility, redistribution of blood to muscles, bronchodilation, pupil dilation, and mobilization of energy stores via glycogenolysis and lipolysis. This broad, swift response is exactly what mediates the fight-or-flight process. Digestive enzyme secretion is driven mainly by exocrine organs like the pancreas and salivary glands; salt and water balance is primarily regulated by renal mechanisms and adrenal cortex hormones (not the medulla); estrogen production occurs in the ovaries and placenta.

The adrenal medulla is the source of the body's rapid, systemic stress response through catecholamines. When stimulated, it releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream, triggering the fight-or-flight state: increased heart rate and contractility, redistribution of blood to muscles, bronchodilation, pupil dilation, and mobilization of energy stores via glycogenolysis and lipolysis. This broad, swift response is exactly what mediates the fight-or-flight process.

Digestive enzyme secretion is driven mainly by exocrine organs like the pancreas and salivary glands; salt and water balance is primarily regulated by renal mechanisms and adrenal cortex hormones (not the medulla); estrogen production occurs in the ovaries and placenta.