norepinephrine
Definition
Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter and hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a key role in the body's fight or flight response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. It also helps to regulate sleep cycles, attention, and memory functions.
Analogy
Imagine norepinephrine as a coach blowing a whistle to signal the start of a game, instantly alerting and energizing the players (the body's organs) to perform their best under stress or danger.
Related terms
Adrenal glands: Endocrine glands located above the kidneys that release hormones like adrenaline and norepinephrine in response to stress.
Fight or flight response: A physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival; it prepares the body for rapid action.
Neurotransmitter: Chemical substances that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron (nerve cell) to another 'target' neuron, gland cell, or muscle cell
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