BRAINCAKEAdrenal Medulla
The adrenal medulla produces adrenaline and noradrenaline in response to stimulation by the sympathetic nervous system.
Adrenaline rapidly raises blood sugar levels by converting glycogen in the liver to glucose and increases the heart rate in order to increase blood flow to the brain and muscles.
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Key terms in this lesson
- hormone
- A chemical messenger, secreted by an endocrine gland directly into the blood, that travels to target cells bearing complementary receptors and brings about a response.
- adrenal medulla
- The inner region of the adrenal gland, which produces adrenaline and noradrenaline in response to sympathetic nervous stimulation.
- neurotransmitter
- A chemical released by a presynaptic neurone that diffuses across a synapse and binds to receptors on the postsynaptic cell, altering its membrane potential.
More in Hormonal Communication
- Endocrine Glands
- Hormones
- The Adrenal Glands
- Adrenal Cortex
- Pancreas
- Blood glucose concentration
- Insulin
- Glucagon
All 11 lessons in Hormonal Communication · All AQA A-level Biology topics