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Which hormones are produced by the adrenal medulla?

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Diagram showing the locations of major human endocrine glands in male and female bodies, including pineal gland, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, thyroid gland, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas, kidneys, testes, and ovaries. — Endocrine system The glands of the human endocrine system.

The adrenal medulla, which is composed of chromaffin cells, produces several key hormones that are released into the bloodstream to help the body respond to stress.12

The primary hormones produced by the adrenal medulla are:

Epinephrine (adrenaline): Produced in the largest quantities, this hormone has potent effects on tissues throughout the body, particularly those with beta-adrenergic receptors.32
Norepinephrine (noradrenaline): Produced to a much lesser extent than epinephrine, this hormone also functions as a neurotransmitter and plays a significant role in the fight-or-flight response.32
Dopamine: This catecholamine is also synthesized and stored within the chromaffin granules of the adrenal medulla.31

In addition to these catecholamines, the adrenal medulla releases other substances into the bloodstream that act as hormones, including chromogranins, enkephalins, and neuropeptide Y. These hormones are stored in granules and released via exocytosis when the adrenal medulla is stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system.21