IMAT Biology Practice Exam

Epinephrine and norepinephrine are produced by the adrenal medulla, the inner part of the adrenal gland. When the body activates the fight-or-flight response, the medulla releases these catecholamines into the bloodstream, sharpening short-term stress responses: faster heart rate and stronger heart contractions, airways open wider, and the liver releases glucose to fuel muscles. This emergency hormonal output is specific to the adrenal medulla, while the adrenal cortex makes corticosteroids, the pancreas makes insulin and glucagon, and the thyroid makes thyroid hormones. So the gland responsible for epinephrine and norepinephrine is the adrenal medulla.