Final answer:
The adrenal medulla produces adrenaline and noradrenaline, which increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels in response to stress. Their secretion is controlled by a neural pathway originating from the hypothalamus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The adrenal medulla produces two hormones: adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). These hormones are catecholamines and are responsible for the body's response to stress or danger. They increase heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels, and promote the breakdown of glucose in skeletal muscles and stored fats in adipose tissue.
The secretion of these hormones is controlled by a neural pathway that originates from the hypothalamus in response to danger or stress. This pathway, called the sympatho-adrenal or SAM pathway, triggers the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline from the adrenal medulla.