Skip to main content
Ch. 16 The Endocrine System
Marieb - Human Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb, Hoehn 11th EditionCh. 16 The Endocrine SystemProblem 6
Chapter 16, Problem 6

A hypodermic injection of epinephrine would:
a. Increase heart rate, increase blood pressure, dilate the bronchioles of the lungs, and increase digestive activity
b. Decrease heart rate, decrease blood pressure, constrict the bronchioles, and increase digestive activity
c. Decrease heart rate, increase blood pressure, constrict the bronchioles, and decrease digestive activity
d. Increase heart rate, increase blood pressure, dilate the bronchioles, and decrease digestive activity

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of epinephrine in the body. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone released by the adrenal medulla during the 'fight or flight' response, which prepares the body for rapid action.
Step 2: Identify the effects of epinephrine on the cardiovascular system. Epinephrine typically increases heart rate and blood pressure by stimulating the heart and causing vasoconstriction in some blood vessels.
Step 3: Consider the effects on the respiratory system. Epinephrine causes dilation of the bronchioles in the lungs to allow more air intake, improving oxygen delivery during stress or emergency situations.
Step 4: Analyze the impact on the digestive system. During the fight or flight response, epinephrine decreases digestive activity because the body prioritizes blood flow to muscles and vital organs rather than digestion.
Step 5: Combine these effects to select the correct answer. Look for the option that includes increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, bronchiole dilation, and decreased digestive activity.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Epinephrine and the Sympathetic Nervous System

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone and neurotransmitter that activates the sympathetic nervous system. It prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and dilating airways to improve oxygen intake.
Recommended video:
1:21
Sympathetic Nervous System Example 3

Physiological Effects of Epinephrine on the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems

Epinephrine increases heart rate and blood pressure by stimulating beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart and alpha receptors in blood vessels. It also dilates bronchioles via beta-2 adrenergic receptors, enhancing airflow to the lungs during stress or emergency situations.
Recommended video:
1:32
Effects of the Complement System

Epinephrine's Impact on Digestive Activity

During sympathetic activation, epinephrine decreases digestive activity by reducing blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract and inhibiting smooth muscle contractions. This conserves energy and redirects resources to vital organs needed for immediate physical activity.
Recommended video:
02:37
Active Transport
Related Practice
Textbook Question

If there is adequate carbohydrate intake, secretion of insulin results in:

a. Lower blood glucose levels

b. Increased cell utilization of glucose

c. Storage of glycogen

d. All of these

819
views
Textbook Question

A hormone not involved in glucose metabolism is:

a. Glucagon

b. Cortisone

c. Aldosterone

d. Insulin

922
views
Textbook Question

If anterior pituitary secretion is deficient in a growing child, the child will

a. Develop acromegaly

b. Become a dwarf but have fairly normal body proportions

c. Mature sexually at an earlier than normal age

d. Be in constant danger of becoming dehydrated

1078
views
Textbook Question

Parathyroid hormone:

a. Increases bone formation and lowers blood calcium levels

b. Increases calcium excretion from the body

c. Decreases calcium absorption from the gut

d. Demineralizes bone and raises blood calcium levels

1032
views
Textbook Question

Testosterone is to the male as which hormone is to the female?

a. Luteinizing hormone

b. Progesterone

c. Estrogen

d. Prolactin

1145
views
Textbook Question

Choose from the following key to identify the hormones described.

Key:

a. Aldosterone

b. Antidiuretic hormone

c. Growth hormone

d. Luteinizing hormone

e. oxytocin f. prolactin

g. T₄ and T₃

h. TSH ______ 

(1) Important anabolic hormone; many of its effects mediated by IGFs ______ 

(2) Cause the kidneys to conserve water and/or salt (two choices) ______ 

(3) Stimulates milk production ______ 

(4) Tropic hormone that stimulates the gonads to secrete sex hormones ______ 

(5) Increases uterine contractions during birth ______ 

(6) Major metabolic hormone(s) of the body ______ 

(7) Causes reabsorption of sodium ions by the kidneys ______ 

(8) Tropic hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormone ______ 

(9) Secreted by the posterior pituitary (two choices) ______

(10) The only steroid hormone in the list

885
views