Final answer:
The sympathetic nervous system's hormonal messages are sent via nerves from the spinal cord to the adrenal medulla, releasing hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sympathetic nervous system communicates with the body through a variety of pathways, including the release of hormones. A specific set of nerves travel from the spinal cord to the adrenal medulla. Here, the neural stimulus directly prompts the release of hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream, creating a swift response throughout the body during stressful situations. This mechanism supports the body's fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate, breathing rate, and redirecting blood flow to essential areas like the skeletal muscles, while decreasing it to the digestive system.