Epinephrine Podcast

https://soundcloud.com/freshoutthebox-3/epinephrine-podcast-2014

 

 

Epinephrine, more commonly known as adrenaline, is a hormone and a neurotransmitter. It is involved in the Sympathetic nervous system, which is part of the autonomic system. This system is in control of the “fight or flight” reaction our bodies experience under stress or danger. Epinephrine is released from the adrenal gland above the kidneys. The adrenal gland is composed of two parts: the cortex and the medulla. The cortex releases the hormones needed to live such as cortisol, which regulates your metabolism. The medullas is where epinephrine is produced along with other nonessential hormones. However, the word “nonessential” doesn’t mean that epinephrine isn’t useful. When released into the blood stream and across a neuronal synapse, you can experience a boost of oxygen and glucose, suppression of digestive system, dilation of pupils, restriction of certain arteries, and increase in heart rate. The receptors that translate this reaction are mainly found in the skeletal muscle blood vessels and liver cells. Epinephrine is controlled by a positive feedback loop which means that production is increased when there is a disturbance in the system. Epinephrine is not fat – soluble but is water – soluble. This fact allows the hormone to be carried in the blood stream. This whole reaction is regulated by the central nervous system that regulates the synthesis of epinephrine.


Works Cited:
 Rehan, Kelly.An Overview of Adrenal Glands: Beyond Fight or Flight. endocrineweb. 2014. web. 22 Feb. 2014.  http://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-adrenal-glands

worldofmolecules.com. The Epinephrine Molecule. Wikipedia. 2014. Web. 22 Feb. 2014. http://www.worldofmolecules.com/drugs/adrenaline.htm

Wikipedia.org. Epinephrine.  Wikipedia. 2014. Web. 22 Feb. 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epinephrine