Which hormones are produced by the adrenal medulla?

The adrenal medulla, a part of the adrenal glands located atop the kidneys, primarily produces catecholamines, which are crucial hormones in the body's response to stress. The two main hormones produced by the adrenal medulla are epinephrine (commonly known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). These hormones play vital roles in the "fight or flight" response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability, thus preparing the body for rapid action.

Epinephrine is responsible for a variety of physiological changes, such as widening the airways and increasing blood flow to muscles, while norepinephrine primarily affects blood vessel constriction, influencing blood pressure regulation. The production of these hormones is critical in stress management and metabolic regulation, making them essential for both short-term and long-term stress responses.

In contrast, the other options refer to different hormones produced by other glands or metabolic processes. Thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid gland and are responsible for regulating metabolism. Glucose and fatty acids are not hormones but rather energy substrates used by the body for fuel. The parathyroid hormone (PTH) is produced by the parathyroid glands and primarily regulates calcium levels in the blood. Therefore, the correct answer reflects