endocrine and metabolic disorders
Overview of Adrenal Function
Adrenal medulla
The adrenal medulla is composed of chromaffin cells, which synthesize and secrete catecholamines (mainlyepinephrineand lesser amounts ofnorepinephrine). Chromaffin cells also produce bioactive amines and peptides (eg, histamine, serotonin, chromogranins, neuropeptide hormones).Epinephrineandnorepinephrine, the major effector amines of the sympathetic nervous system, are responsible for the “flight or fight” response (ie, chronotropic and inotropic effects on the heart; bronchodilation; peripheral and splanchnic vasoconstriction with skeletal muscular vasodilation; metabolic effects including glycogenolysis, lipolysis, and renin release). 