Question

Which glands are known as glands to emergency? How does the adrenal medulla and sympathetic nervous system function as a closely integrated system?

Answer 1

An organ which produces and releases substances which perform only a specific function in the body are known as glands.

Complete answer:
The glands which are known as glands to emergency are the inner portion of adrenal gland. The inner portion of the adrenal gland is also known as medulla. It secretes two hormones,
Epinephrine - It is also known as adrenaline and its primary function is to increase the glucose levels in the blood and also to increase cardiac output.
Norepinephrine - Along with epinephrine it helps to increase the cardiac output.

The hormones are secreted when nerve impulse from sympathetic nerve fibres reaches adrenal medulla. This happens in situations of physical stress - cold, decrease in blood sugar or pressure, injury, etc. It is also secreted when there is emotional pain, grief, angre, etc. therefore, adrenal medulla and sympathetic nervous system function as closely integrated systems.

These hormones in normal amounts help us overcome our daily challenges. But if there is an over secretion of epinephrine it can cause symptoms like numbness, shortness of breath, fast or slow heart beats, etc. on the other hand, excess secretion of norepinephrine can cause high blood sugar, excess sweating and anxiety.

Note: Epinephrine or adrenaline and norepinephrine is also known as flight and fight hormones. When there is too much adrenaline being secreted it is known as adrenaline rush.