🌟 Did You Know? 🌟 Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is the hormone that gives you that sudden burst of energy when you're scared or excited. Think of it as your body's superpower juice! 💪

• What is Epinephrine?

  • Aka adrenaline.
  • Hormone prepping you for energetic action (like running or fighting).
  • Secreted by adrenal glands.

• How Does it Work? 🧬

  • Binds to "adrenergic receptors" on target cells.
  • Triggers action inside these cells.

• Epinephrine's Super Effects: 💥

  • Muscles: Turns stored glycogen ➡️ glucose. Why? Glucose powers muscles for both types of respiration (aerobic & anaerobic).

  • Liver: Also turns glycogen ➡️ glucose. Then sends this glucose into your bloodstream.

  • Lungs: Air passages widen = Easier breathing. Plus, you'll breathe more air in total.

  • Heart: Acts like a DJ, pumping up the beats per minute!🎶

  • Blood Vessels

    • To muscles & liver: Widens (vasodilation) for more blood flow.
    • To gut, kidneys, etc.: Narrows (vasoconstriction) to reduce blood flow.

• End Result: More blood, oxygen, and glucose rush to muscles, supercharging them!

• Brain Control: 🧠

  • Brain tells adrenal glands when to release epinephrine.
  • Often happens due to threats or opportunities (hence, the "fight or flight" tag).

• Flashback! 🕰️

  • Imagine being a hunter-gatherer. Epinephrine would've kicked in if you spotted prey or if a wild animal thought you were the main course!

• Modern Spin: 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

  • Athletes stimulate epinephrine before races so they're ready to zoom from the start!