Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 15 - Section 15.2 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 575: 8

Answer

The adrenal medulla is considered part of the sympathetic nervous system because it is a specialized neuroendocrine tissue located within the adrenal glands, and it plays a crucial role in the body's overall stress response, which is primarily orchestrated by the sympathetic nervous system. Here's why the adrenal medulla is considered part of the sympathetic nervous system: 1. **Embryological Origin**: The adrenal medulla shares a common embryological origin with the sympathetic nervous system. Both the adrenal medulla and sympathetic ganglia develop from the neural crest during fetal development. 2. **Neuroendocrine Tissue**: The adrenal medulla contains specialized neuroendocrine cells called chromaffin cells. These cells are functionally similar to postganglionic sympathetic neurons and release neurotransmitters in response to sympathetic stimulation. When the sympathetic nervous system is activated during the "fight or flight" response, preganglionic sympathetic neurons release acetylcholine onto the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. This stimulation leads to the secretion of two important products: 1. **Epinephrine (Adrenaline)**: - The primary product secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to sympathetic stimulation is epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. - Epinephrine acts as a hormone when released into the bloodstream, allowing it to exert widespread effects on target organs throughout the body. - Its effects include increasing heart rate, dilating bronchioles, increasing blood flow to skeletal muscles, and mobilizing energy reserves. 2. **Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)**: - In addition to epinephrine, the adrenal medulla also releases some norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline. - Norepinephrine can have more localized effects compared to epinephrine because it can also function as a neurotransmitter, relaying signals to specific target tissues, particularly in the vicinity of the adrenal gland. The release of epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla is an essential component of the body's response to stress or danger. These hormones prepare the body for a rapid and coordinated reaction by increasing alertness, cardiovascular activity, and the availability of energy resources. Therefore, the adrenal medulla's actions are tightly integrated with those of the sympathetic nervous system, making it a key player in the overall stress response.

Work Step by Step

The adrenal medulla is considered part of the sympathetic nervous system because it is a specialized neuroendocrine tissue located within the adrenal glands, and it plays a crucial role in the body's overall stress response, which is primarily orchestrated by the sympathetic nervous system. Here's why the adrenal medulla is considered part of the sympathetic nervous system: 1. **Embryological Origin**: The adrenal medulla shares a common embryological origin with the sympathetic nervous system. Both the adrenal medulla and sympathetic ganglia develop from the neural crest during fetal development. 2. **Neuroendocrine Tissue**: The adrenal medulla contains specialized neuroendocrine cells called chromaffin cells. These cells are functionally similar to postganglionic sympathetic neurons and release neurotransmitters in response to sympathetic stimulation. When the sympathetic nervous system is activated during the "fight or flight" response, preganglionic sympathetic neurons release acetylcholine onto the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. This stimulation leads to the secretion of two important products: 1. **Epinephrine (Adrenaline)**: - The primary product secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to sympathetic stimulation is epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. - Epinephrine acts as a hormone when released into the bloodstream, allowing it to exert widespread effects on target organs throughout the body. - Its effects include increasing heart rate, dilating bronchioles, increasing blood flow to skeletal muscles, and mobilizing energy reserves. 2. **Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)**: - In addition to epinephrine, the adrenal medulla also releases some norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline. - Norepinephrine can have more localized effects compared to epinephrine because it can also function as a neurotransmitter, relaying signals to specific target tissues, particularly in the vicinity of the adrenal gland. The release of epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla is an essential component of the body's response to stress or danger. These hormones prepare the body for a rapid and coordinated reaction by increasing alertness, cardiovascular activity, and the availability of energy resources. Therefore, the adrenal medulla's actions are tightly integrated with those of the sympathetic nervous system, making it a key player in the overall stress response.
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