Adrenalin
Adrenalin
Adrenalin (pronounced: /əˈdrɛnəlɪn/), also known as epinephrine, is a hormone and medication which plays a significant role in the body's fight or flight response by increasing blood flow to muscles, output of the heart, pupil dilation, and blood sugar. It is derived from the Greek words "epi" and "nephros" which mean "upon" and "kidney" respectively, referring to the adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys where adrenalin is produced.
Etymology
The term "adrenalin" comes from the Latin ad meaning 'at' or 'towards', and renes meaning 'kidneys'. This is a reference to the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys and produce adrenalin. The term was first used in 1897 by John Jacob Abel, an American biochemist and pharmacologist.
Function
Adrenalin is a catecholamine that is secreted primarily by the medulla of the adrenal glands. It stimulates the heart rate, dilates blood vessels and air passages allowing for greater blood flow to muscles and improved oxygen flow to the lungs. This is part of the body's fight or flight response.
Medical Uses
In medicine, adrenalin is used to treat a number of conditions, including anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, and superficial bleeding. It can also be used in combination with local anesthetics to prolong their effects.
Related Terms
- Adrenal Gland: The gland that produces adrenalin.
- Catecholamine: A type of hormone that includes adrenalin.
- Epinephrine: The scientific name for adrenalin.
- Fight or Flight Response: The physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Adrenalin
- Wikipedia's article - Adrenalin
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