Final Answer:
Epinephrine, commonly known as adrenaline, is primarily synthesized in laboratories, making it a synthetic compound. Thus, the correct answer is c. Synthetic.
Step-by-step explanation:
Epinephrine is a hormone produced naturally in the adrenal glands, but the epinephrine used in medications, such as EpiPen for emergencies like severe allergic reactions, is predominantly synthetic. The synthetic production of epinephrine involves a process where the chemical structure is replicated in a laboratory setting.
While the hormone is naturally occurring in humans and animals, the synthetic version is manufactured to ensure purity, potency, and consistency in dosage. Synthetic epinephrine allows for precise control over the production process, ensuring that it meets stringent quality and safety standards for medical use.
The synthetic form of epinephrine is chemically identical to the naturally occurring hormone, mimicking its physiological effects in the body. Through synthetic production, pharmaceutical companies can create epinephrine in controlled environments, providing a reliable and standardized medication for various medical purposes, particularly in emergency situations to counter severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.
Thus, while the hormone itself originates from the adrenal glands in humans and animals, the epinephrine used for medical treatments is primarily created synthetically in laboratories to guarantee efficacy, purity, and uniformity in its application for therapeutic use.
Thus, the correct answer is c. Synthetic.