The adrenal glands produce adrenaline (also known as epinephrine).
Understanding the Adrenal Glands and Adrenaline Production
The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped endocrine glands located on top of each kidney. They are vital for regulating various bodily functions through hormone production. The inner part of the adrenal gland, called the adrenal medulla, is specifically responsible for producing adrenaline and noradrenaline (norepinephrine).
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Adrenaline's Role: Adrenaline is a hormone and neurotransmitter crucial for the body's "fight-or-flight" response. It prepares the body for stressful situations by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. This surge of adrenaline allows for a quick response to perceived danger.
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Other Adrenal Gland Functions: While adrenaline is a key hormone produced by the adrenal medulla, the adrenal cortex (the outer layer of the adrenal gland) produces other vital hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone, which regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and immune function.
Multiple sources confirm the adrenal medulla's role in adrenaline production:
- Cleveland Clinic: "[The adrenal medulla] produces and releases adrenaline."[1]
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: "The main hormones secreted by the adrenal medulla include epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline)."[2]
- Healthdirect: "Find out about your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys and make several important hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol..."[3]
- National Cancer Institute: "The adrenal glands make steroid hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline."[4]
[1] My.ClevelandClinic.org. Adrenal Gland: What It Is, Function, Symptoms & Disorders. May 13, 2022.
[2] Hopkinsmedicine.org. Adrenal Glands.
[3] Healthdirect.gov.au. Adrenal glands.
[4] Cancer.gov. Definition of adrenal gland.
