Norepinephrine (Noun)
Meaning
A catecholamine precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the adrenal medulla and also released at synapses.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the body's fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and blood pressure in stressful situations.
- The adrenal medulla secretes norepinephrine in response to stress, which then stimulates the body to prepare for action.
- Research has shown that norepinephrine is also involved in attention and arousal, with decreased levels linked to conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Norepinephrine is released at synapses in the brain, where it binds to receptors and triggers a response in the postsynaptic neuron.
- The release of norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla is triggered by the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's automatic responses to stress.