Emergency hormones are chemicals released by the body to help it respond to sudden stress, danger, or excitement. Primarily produced by the adrenal glands (specifically the adrenal medulla), these hormones prepare the body for what is famously known as the “Fight or Flight” response.+1
The two primary emergency hormones are Adrenaline (Epinephrine) and Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine).
Functions and Physiological Changes
When a stressful event occurs, these hormones are secreted rapidly into the bloodstream, triggering several immediate physical changes:
- Increased Heart Rate: The heart beats faster and stronger to pump more oxygenated blood to the muscles.
- Respiratory Changes: The breathing rate increases, and the airways (bronchioles) dilate to take in more oxygen.
- Energy Release: The liver is stimulated to break down glycogen into glucose, providing an immediate surge of energy to the blood.
- Dilation of Pupils: This improves vision and awareness of the surroundings.
- Blood Redirection: Blood flow is diverted away from “non-essential” systems (like digestion and the skin) and toward the skeletal muscles and brain.
Why are they called “Emergency Hormones”?
In biology, these are classified as emergency hormones because they are not secreted in large quantities under normal, resting conditions. They act as a survival mechanism, allowing an organism to either confront a threat (fight) or escape to safety (flight). Once the “emergency” or perceived threat passes, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over to return the body to its normal, balanced state.
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