Final answer:
Epinephrine and norepinephrine are amino acid-derived catecholamines that play a pivotal role in the body's fight-or-flight stress response, affecting various systems including blood vessel constriction and kidney function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine belong to the hormone group known as catecholamines. These are amino acid-derived hormones that play an essential role in the body's fight-or-flight response during extreme stress. Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine (also referred to as noradrenaline) are produced by the adrenal medulla and the nervous system, respectively.
They exert their effects by binding to alpha and beta adrenergic receptors on the plasma membrane of cells, which activates a G-protein, leading to the production of CAMP and a cell-specific response. Their main actions include constriction of smooth muscles in blood vessels, triggering the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and adjusting blood flow into the nephrons.