Question

Which is one of the functions of adrenaline?
(a)It increases the heartbeat
(b)It decreases the heartbeat
(c)It excretes water from kidneys
(d)It regulates growth

Answer 1

Adrenaline is a crucial part of the body’s fight or flight response. It stimulates the breakdown of glycogen resulting in an increased concentration of glucose in the blood.

Complete answer:
-Adrenaline is produced in the medulla in the adrenal glands and in the central nervous system’s neurons.
-Its key functions also include expanding air passages of the lungs, enlarging the pupil in the eye, redistributing blood to the muscles, and altering the body’s metabolism so as to maximize blood glucose levels.
-Adrenaline or epinephrine also stimulate the breakdown of lipids and proteins.
-It increases heart rate, elevates blood pressure, and boosts energy supplies. It is also known as the emergency hormone. These are usually produced during stressful situations.

Additional information:
-Overproduction of adrenaline can cause anxiety.
-When adrenaline is released suddenly, it is often referred to as an adrenaline rush.
-Adrenaline can act as a neurotransmitter involved in regulating visceral functions.
-Persistent surges of adrenaline can damage blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and elevated risks of heart attacks and stroke.
-Its receptors are called adrenergic receptors.
-Doing exercise regularly can reduce the levels of stress hormones like adrenaline.
-Hormones like adrenaline are directly released into the blood. They don't have ducts.

So the correct answer is ‘It increases the heartbeat.

Note: Adrenaline helps knock down the body’s ability to sense pain. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are commonly called as catecholamines. The adrenal cortex also secretes several hormones. Deficiency and excess levels of hormones from the adrenal gland can result in Addison’s disease and Cushing syndrome respectively.