| |
adrenal medulla
the inner portion of the adrenal gland, actually a glandular extension of sympathetic effector fibers or postganglionic neurons. It releases the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Those hormones enter the bloodstream, are carried around the
body, and indirectly act as stimulants to various organs. Thus, the adrenal medulla and the sympathetic nerves support each
other and can sometimes act as substitutes for each other. See also epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
Click here for important legal information about Dorland's Medical Dictionary.
|
