Which neurotransmitter is part of the body’s response in stressful situations and is also called adrenaline?

Study for the AP Psychology exam - Biological Bases of Behavior section. Explore multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to ace your test!

The neurotransmitter that is part of the body’s response in stressful situations and is also called adrenaline is epinephrine. When a person experiences stress, the body enters the "fight or flight" response, which involves the release of epinephrine from the adrenal glands. This release prepares the body for immediate action by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supply. This physiological response is critical for survival, as it helps individuals respond quickly to perceived threats.

While norepinephrine also plays a significant role in the stress response and in regulating attention and response actions, it is not referred to as adrenaline. Serotonin is primarily associated with mood regulation, while dopamine is linked to reward and pleasure pathways in the brain. Therefore, epinephrine specifically captures the essence of the body’s acute stress response and its impact on physical readiness in moments of stress.

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