Which of the following is a major function of adrenaline?

Study for the New CED - Biological Basis of Behavior Exam. Test your understanding with detailed questions and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress and emergency situations. One of its major functions is to prepare the body for a "fight-or-flight" response. When adrenaline is released into the bloodstream, it triggers various physiological changes that enhance the body’s ability to respond quickly to a perceived threat.

These changes include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and heightened blood glucose levels, all of which provide a surge of energy and strength. This allows an individual to either confront or escape from danger effectively. The "fight-or-flight" response is essential for survival and is driven by the need for immediate energy and alertness in stressful situations.

In contrast, other choices reflect functions that do not align with adrenaline's primary role. Enhancing sleep quality is typically linked to the absence of stress hormones, and adrenaline would be counterproductive to that process. Lowering blood pressure is generally a function of other mechanisms in the body, as adrenaline actually increases blood pressure to prepare for rapid physical response. Finally, regulating body temperature is also managed by different physiological systems rather than directly influenced by adrenaline surges. Thus, boosting energy for fight-or-flight response accurately encapsulates the primary role of adrenaline in the body

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy