Final answer:
The hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine, known for their role in the fight or flight response, are released by the adrenal medulla during stress, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as the constriction of afferent arterioles in the kidneys. The correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
Epinephrine and norepinephrine are hormones that play a crucial role in the body's fight or flight response to stress. These hormones are released by the adrenal medulla and are also known as catecholamines.
Their release is stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system and can cause various physiological changes, such as increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and the constriction of certain blood vessels.
Specifically, epinephrine and norepinephrine act on the smooth muscles of blood vessels to constrict them, which affects blood flow to various organs. For example, they constrict the afferent arterioles, reducing blood flow into the nephrons of the kidneys.
Furthermore, these hormones activate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which also helps the body manage stress.