14.3.4

Adrenaline

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Adrenaline

Adrenaline is a hormone released into the blood in times of stress, fear, or excitement. It is often called the “fight or flight” hormone because it prepares the body for action.

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'Fight or flight' response

  • Adrenaline is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys.
  • It is released when you are in an emergency or stressful situation.
    • This is known as the 'fight or flight' response because adrenaline prepares the body for rapid action.
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Adrenaline effects on the body

  • Adrenaline's primary role is to increase metabolic activity to prepare your body for a sudden burst of energy:
    • Increases breathing rate → more oxygen enters the blood.
    • Increases heart rate → blood circulates faster to muscles and the brain.
    • Increases pupil diameter → more light enters the eyes for better vision in dangerous situations.
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Adrenaline in metabolic activity

  • Increases blood glucose concentration:
    • Stimulates the liver to break down glycogen into glucose – more sugar is released into your blood.
    • This provides your muscles and brain with a burst of energy during emergencies.
  • Increases heart rate:
    • Adrenaline makes the heart beat faster.
    • This pumps the extra oxygen and glucose to the muscles and brain more quickly.

Jump to other topics

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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