Epinephrine or as it is popularly known, adrenaline is an active vasoactive hormone which is secreted by the so-called adrenal glands and which usually makes its appearance in situations that can be defined as risky and / or extreme; the adrenaline during its procedure stimulates a part of the central nervous system that in turn maximizes, to call it in some way, the acquisition of stimuli by any of our senses.
The adrenal glands
The adrenal glands, also known as the adrenal glands (from Latin ad- and renes, literally "next to the kidney"), are located just above each kidney in the human body, hence its name. They have an approximate length of 7.5 - 8 cm and produce several hormones, including adrenaline.
Adrenaline is classified within the catecholamines, a group of hormones related to the stress response. Other catecholamines are norepinephrine (or noradrenaline) and dopamine. These three hormones exert their function in various tissues and organs of the body to prepare them to respond to situations of stress.
The response to stress
The stress response is a concept used to refer to the body's reactions to situations in which an important physical response is required. This response is an evolutionary adaptation that allows the body to react quickly to a danger. Dilating the airways allows a greater amount of oxygen to be captured, increasing the physical performance to respond to an increase in sudden activity (such as flight). The contraction of the blood vessels in almost the whole body redirects the blood through the heart, lungs and the main muscle groups to help the immediate physical response.
When a person is in a dangerous situation, the hypothalamus, located in the brain, orders the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and other hormones directly into the bloodstream. The response of the body takes place in a matter of seconds giving a powerful physical response almost instantaneously. It increases both the strength and speed and decreases the ability to feel pain. It is what is known as an "adrenaline rush".
Stress as a psychological illness is due to the continuous exposure of stressful situations for the person that triggers the release of adrenaline without there being a danger to flee from or without it being able to face (for example, work or family situations). The body is in this alert situation and prepared to face a threat.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Adrenaline makes our nervous system "hyperactive" our vital functions for that alarm situation:
- The heart rate is accelerated.
- Increase breathing so that the blood is oxygenated as soon as possible and best possible.
- Dilate the pupils to "see the danger".
- Increases the blood pressure of the skeletal muscles.
- Stops, momentarily, the bowel movement.
- Take out our reserves of glycogen (glucose) so that our muscles have the maximum fuel ... to run or fight.
Adrenaline excesses are also paid
An excess of adrenaline does not come free for our body. Upward imbalances in the levels of this substance can generate hypertension, headache, increased temperature and symptoms associated with anxiety disorders or chronic stress, such as nausea, tremors or sleeping problems. In addition, the adrenaline peaks can make the vision more blurred, since they increase the pressure in the eyes.
This is something that we should take into account when assessing the quality of our lifestyle. Being active all day can be more or less productive depending on the person and the context, but it sure is not healthy. The body needs to rest and that is why we must heed the signals that our body sends us in the form of fatigue and sleep.
Pheochromocytoma
Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that produces, stores and secretes catecholamines (neurotransmitters that are released into the bloodstream). They are a group of substances that include adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine, which are synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine.
The high incidence of morbidity and even mortality that it causes makes it important not to delay the diagnosis of this type of tumors. Pheochromocytomas usually come from the adrenal medulla, although they can develop from chromaffin cells, sympathetic ganglia of the abdomen and thorax, and along the abdominal aorta in the organ of Zuckerland (extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas or paragangliomas). Hypertension is the most common manifestation and most pheochromocytomas are not clinically suspected, as indicated by postmortem results. In adults, 80% of pheochromocytomas are unilateral...
information sources.
- https://blog.biostrap.com/posts/what-is-adrenaline-and-how-does-it-work-in-our-bodies
- https://www.hormone.org/hormones-and-health/hormones/adrenaline
- https://fogut.com/adrenaline/
- https://psicologiaymente.net/neurociencias/adrenalina-hormona-activa
