• Question: How exactly does the adrenal gland 'know' when to secrete adrenalin?

    Asked by 773hrmc35 to Craig, Laura, Saffron on 25 Jun 2015.
    • Photo: Laura Wales

      Laura Wales answered on 25 Jun 2015:

      In broad term, the release of adrenaline can be caused by a variety of thing including loud noises, bright lights, high temperatures, exams, feeling stressed – anything that makes you feel you need to prepare for something or brings you anxiety.

      The sympathetic nervous system (starts things off) – the function of the SNS is to stimulate the body’s “fight or flight” response, getting it ready for action.

      First, SNS and adrenocorticoptropin hormone (ACTH) kick off the synthesis of adrenaline. Once ACTH reaches the adrenal glands, it binds to receptors causing the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol.

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