Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
How does the body prolong the effects of the sympathetic nervous system during shock?
A
By decreasing the secretion of cortisol from the adrenal cortex
B
By increasing parasympathetic stimulation to the heart
C
By inhibiting the release of acetylcholine at synapses
D
By releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the sympathetic nervous system: The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, which prepares the body to respond to stress or danger. During shock, the body needs to maintain this heightened state to ensure survival.
Identify the hormones involved: Epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) are key hormones released by the adrenal medulla. These hormones amplify and prolong the effects of the sympathetic nervous system by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to essential organs.
Recognize the role of the adrenal medulla: The adrenal medulla is part of the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys. It is stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system to release epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream during stress or shock.
Eliminate incorrect options: Decreasing cortisol secretion from the adrenal cortex does not prolong sympathetic effects; cortisol is more involved in long-term stress responses. Increasing parasympathetic stimulation to the heart would counteract the sympathetic response, and inhibiting acetylcholine release at synapses is unrelated to the sympathetic nervous system's function.
Conclude the mechanism: The correct answer is that the body prolongs the effects of the sympathetic nervous system during shock by releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla, which sustains the 'fight or flight' response.