Which gland region produces catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine?

• A. Adrenal medulla
• B. Adrenal cortex
• C. Pituitary
• D. Thyroid

Answer: (A)

Catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine are produced by the adrenal medulla, the inner part of the adrenal gland. When the body experiences stress or sympathetic activation, chromaffin cells in the medulla release these hormones into the blood, preparing the body for fight-or-flight by increasing heart rate, opening airways, and raising blood glucose. The adrenal cortex makes steroid hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone, not catecholamines. The pituitary releases peptide hormones that regulate other glands, and the thyroid produces thyroid hormones (T3/T4) and calcitonin, not catecholamines.