MCAT Behavioral Sciences Question 239: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 239

2. What is the role of the adrenal gland in the stress response?

  • A. The adrenal gland produces epinephrine and norepinephrine as part of the parasympathetic response to stressful triggers.
  • B. At the onset of a stressful event, the adrenal gland triggers a cascade of events in the hypothalamus and pituitary, resulting in activation of the sympathetic nervous system's "fight or flight" response.
  • C. The adrenal medulla produces cortisol, which helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate, in response to stress.
  • D. The adrenal medulla produces adrenaline in response to acute stressors and the adrenal cortex produces cortisol in response to longer-term, low-grade stressors.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The adrenal glands are endocrine glands above the kidneys; in response to stress, they release hormones. The adrenal medulla (inner portion) produces epinephrine and norepinephrine (choice C is wrong) in response to direct input from the sympathetic nervous system (not the parasympathetic, choice A is wrong). This is the body's response to acute stress. The adrenal cortex (outer portion) produces corticosteroids, including cortisol; the amount of cortisol released increases as a result of long-term stress (choice D is correct). The hypothalamus and pituitary gland release hormones that trigger the release of hormones from the adrenal gland, not the other way around (choice B is wrong).

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