What hormone is produced by the adrenal medulla in response to stress?

The adrenal medulla produces epinephrine, commonly known as adrenaline, as a response to stress. This hormone plays a crucial role in the body's "fight or flight" response, which is activated during stressful situations. When stress is perceived, the adrenal medulla releases epinephrine into the bloodstream, leading to several physiological changes such as an increase in heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and enhanced energy availability. These effects prepare the body to either confront or flee from the stressor.

Epinephrine's rapid response is essential for survival, allowing the body to react quickly to threats. It differs from cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal cortex and is involved in long-term stress responses and metabolic regulation rather than immediate reactions. Norepinephrine, although also released by the adrenal medulla and involved in the stress response, acts more as a neurotransmitter in the nervous system. Glucagon, produced by the pancreas, primarily focuses on increasing blood glucose levels and is not directly associated with the acute stress response managed by the adrenal medulla.