What hormones are secreted from the adrenal medulla?

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Prepare for the UCF HSC4558 Pathophysiology II Final Exam. Study effectively with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each complete with hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

The adrenal medulla primarily secretes amines, specifically catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones are crucial in the body's "fight or flight" response, contributing to increased heart rate, enhanced metabolic activities, and improved blood flow to muscles. The secretion of these hormones leads to various physiological changes that prepare the body to respond to stress or emergencies, such as increased glucose availability for energy.

While the other options mention various hormones and their functions — including peptides that lower blood glucose, steroids that promote sodium reabsorption, and proteins that lower blood calcium levels — these are not secreted by the adrenal medulla. Instead, these activities are associated with different glands and their respective hormones: for example, insulin from the pancreas regulates blood glucose, aldosterone from the adrenal cortex is involved in sodium reabsorption, and calcitonin from the thyroid gland helps lower blood calcium levels. Understanding the specific roles and origins of these hormones is crucial for recognizing how they influence bodily functions.