Question

The adrenal medulla contains two types of secretory cells, what are they and what are their functions?

Short answer

The adrenal medulla primarily secretes the following hormones:

• epinephrine (adrenaline)
• norepinephrine (noradrenaline)

Step-by-step solution

Step : 1 An Explanation of Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

• Epinephrine is the primary hormone of the adrenal medulla and is the source of 75–80% of its discharges.
• Epinephrine and norepinephrine speed up the release of stored calories in fatty tissue and glucose in muscle tissue.
• Neural impulses from the sympathetic nerve system increase the secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Step : 2 Functions of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

• To maintain the body's water and mineral balance.
• To control the body's carbohydrate metabolism in order to keep blood glucose levels within normal range.
• To control the maturation of sexual organs and traits.
• To activate the fight-or-flight response when the sympathetic nervous sends messages to the body.