Which endocrine gland secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine?

• A. The pancreas.
• B. The adrenal cortex.
• C. The adrenal medulla.
• D. The anterior pituitary gland.

Answer: (C)

Epinephrine and norepinephrine come from the adrenal medulla, the inner part of the adrenal gland. When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, preganglionic fibers stimulate the adrenal medulla to release these catecholamines into the bloodstream. They prepare the body for fight-or-flight by increasing heart rate and contractility, widening airways, boosting blood glucose, and redirecting blood to muscles. The adrenal cortex makes steroids like cortisol and aldosterone, not catecholamines; the pancreas makes insulin and glucagon; the anterior pituitary releases other hormones. So the adrenal medulla is the source of epinephrine and norepinephrine.