When a human being or animal is afraid or angry, adrenaline is released into the bloodstream. This hormone is produced by the adrenal gland. This hormone is alternatively known as epinephrine. Those who have seen the film Crank (2006) will know that epinephrine is also available as an injection. Generally, such an injection is used to help with anaphylactic shock resulting from a severe allergic reaction.
History and Effects of Adrenaline
The name epinephrine was coined by John Jacob Abel in 1898. It is a combination of the Latin and Greek terms meaning above (epi-) and kidney (nephros), referring to the location of the adrenal gland in the body. Abel was also the one who first isolated the hormone from the gland.
The effects of adrenaline are designed to help the body cope with physical exhilaration. This was particularly useful in ancient times, when threats were most often physical. These threats required what is known as the “fight or flight” response. Adrenaline would then help the body prepare to either defend itself or to run from danger.
- Specifically, the effects of adrenaline include:
- Dilated blood vessels;
- Dilated air passages;
- Increased heart rate;
- Increased blood pressure
Adrenaline Today
Together with faster heart rate, the dilated blood vessels helped to channel an increase of blood flow to the major muscle groups. This would provide a spurt of physical energy to cope with the physical requirements of the situation. The dilated air passages also allowed more oxygen to enter the body so it could function better and more efficiently. This is why deep breathing is such a good way to cope with stress.
An interesting fact is that not only adrenaline is released in response to stressful situations. Norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline) is also released. When the adrenal glands are active, roughly 20% of the hormone released consists of Norepinephrine. In addition, cortisol is also released to help strengthen the body for a physical response to threats.
The language surrounding the hormone is also interesting. The general American public tends to refer to the hormone as adrenaline. The medical community however prefers the term epinephrine. The reason for this was that the term “adrenalin” was trademarked by a pharmaceutical company. The distinction is only made in official medical language, however. The popular term, adrenaline, is used frequently enough to preclude confusion.
Because human beings today are seldom faced with physical threats, the body’s response to perceived threats can result in high amounts of adrenaline and cortisol remaining in the system. This is what causes stress-related problems such as insomnia, jittery nerves, and a lack of immunity to illnesses. In addition to deep breathing, it is also a good idea to exercise regularly in order to keep the stress hormone levels in the body at acceptable levels.
Adrenaline can be Useful
Although adrenaline has been much maligned for its detrimental effects within the human body, it still has its uses. It for example requires regular exercise, which is beneficial in maintaining a healthy body. It can also be useful when taking breaks, providing a pleasurable rush when taking part in extreme sports or recreation. Such an adrenaline rush provides a good way to work away the stress experienced during normal working hours. It is important to be aware of the functions of adrenaline in the body. In this way, both a healthy body and mind can be maintained.
Read More
What is Adrenaline? Retrieved from WiseGeek.com
The Definition of Epinephrine. Retrieved from About.com
 |
