Question

The adrenal medulla contains two types of secretory cells, what are they and what are their functions?

a) Alpha and beta cells; alpha cells secrete cortisol, beta cells secrete adrenaline.
b) Adrenal and cortical cells; adrenal cells secrete aldosterone, cortical cells secrete insulin.
c) Chromaffin and steroidogenic cells; chromaffin cells secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline, steroidogenic cells secrete cortisol.
d) Exocrine and endocrine cells; exocrine cells secrete digestive enzymes, endocrine cells secrete hormones.

Answer 1

The adrenal medulla contains chromaffin cells that secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline, which trigger the fight-or-flight response, and steroidogenic cells that secrete cortisol and other steroid hormones.

Step-by-step explanation:

The adrenal medulla contains two main types of secretory cells, which are chromaffin cells and steroidogenic cells. The chromaffin cells secrete adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) and noradrenaline (also known as norepinephrine), while steroidogenic cells secrete cortisol and other steroid hormones.

Both adrenaline and noradrenaline are responsible for the fight-or-flight response, during which they increase heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. They also stimulate the breakdown of glucose in skeletal muscles and the breakdown of stored fats in adipose tissue. These responses help prepare the body to cope with stressors.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is c) Chromaffin and steroidogenic cells; chromaffin cells secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline, steroidogenic cells secrete cortisol.