The hormone known as the "emergency hormone" is adrenaline. It is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress or excitement. This release triggers the body's "fight or flight" response, which prepares the body to deal with a perceived threat.
Adrenaline causes a variety of physiological changes, including:
- Increased heart rate: This delivers more oxygen to the muscles.
- Increased blood pressure: This helps to deliver blood to the muscles more efficiently.
- Increased respiration rate: This provides more oxygen to the blood.
- Dilation of pupils: This allows more light to enter the eyes, improving vision.
- Increased blood sugar: This provides energy for the muscles.
- Suppression of digestion: This redirects blood flow to the muscles.
While adrenaline is often referred to as the "emergency hormone," other hormones also play a role in the body's stress response. For example, cortisol is a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels and is also released during stress. However, adrenaline is the primary hormone responsible for the immediate, short-term changes that occur during the "fight or flight" response.
