How does adrenaline affect the body?

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, affects the body in several significant ways. When adrenaline is released in response to a stressor, it leads to several physiological changes:

1. Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Adrenaline causes an increase in heart rate and breathing rate, which helps prepare the body for "fight or flight" situations.
2. Blood Vessel Constriction: It constricts blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to the extremities and increased blood flow to vital organs.
3. Energy Redistribution: Adrenaline redirects energy towards vital organs by increasing blood flow to these areas while reducing it elsewhere.
4. Enhanced Alertness and Readiness: It also triggers a state of heightened alertness and readiness for physical action.

Additionally, adrenaline is released from a specific area in the brain called the locus ceruleus, which helps increase brain alertness and narrows focus during stressful situations 1 2.