What do the adrenal glands release?

The adrenal glands play a critical role in the body's response to stress and the regulation of various bodily functions. One of the primary functions of the adrenal glands is the release of hormones that are essential for maintaining homeostasis during stressful situations.

Among these hormones, epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) are particularly important. They are released from the adrenal medulla—the inner part of the adrenal gland—during the "fight or flight" response. These hormones help prepare the body to respond to emergencies by increasing heart rate, elevating blood pressure, and enhancing blood flow to muscles while diverting it from systems that are not immediately vital for survival.

This function is distinct from the roles of insulin and glucagon, which are released by the pancreas and primarily manage blood sugar levels, and thyroid hormones, which are involved in regulating metabolism and energy levels. Testosterone and cortisol, while also produced by the adrenal glands, do not have the immediate effects associated with the acute stress response that epinephrine and norepinephrine do. Hence, the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine accurately describes a critical function of the adrenal glands related to stress and bodily response.