Final answer:
The gland responsible for releasing norepinephrine in the fight or flight response is the adrenal medulla, which is activated by the sympathetic nervous system during stress to prepare the body for quick action.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the fight or flight response, specifically asking about the gland involved in releasing norepinephrine during this physiological reaction. The correct gland is the adrenal medulla, which is part of the adrenal glands located above the kidneys. When a person experiences extreme stress or a threat to survival, the sympathetic nervous system stimulates the adrenal medulla to release the catecholamines epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline).
These hormones play critical roles in preparing the body for quick action. They trigger various physiological changes, such as increased heart rate, dilation of pupils, and constriction of certain blood vessels, which redirect blood flow towards essential organs like the liver, muscles, and heart, necessary for a fight or flight situation. The adrenal medulla's release of these hormones is a central aspect of the body's acute stress response and is designed to optimize an organism's chances of survival in the face of immediate danger.