[Campbell Biology P.1061] Which of the following statements correctly differentiates the adre... | Practice Question
Which of the following statements correctly differentiates the adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex?
A: The adrenal medulla is activated by hormonal signals, while the adrenal cortex is activated by nerve impulses.
B: The adrenal medulla develops from true endocrine cells, whereas the adrenal cortex develops from neural tissue.
C: The adrenal medulla primarily releases hormones that prepare the body for long-term stress, while the adrenal cortex releases hormones for rapid, short-term stress responses.
D: The adrenal medulla secretes catecholamines like epinephrine, while the adrenal cortex secretes steroid hormones like mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids.
E: Both the adrenal medulla and cortex are activated by identical stimuli and secrete hormones with the same physiological effects.
Explanation
The adrenal medulla, an extension of the sympathetic nervous system, secretes the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine, which mediate rapid, short-term responses to stress. In contrast, the adrenal cortex, derived from true endocrine cells, secretes steroid hormones such as mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids, which are involved in longer-term stress responses.