Name the hormone released and the gland which secretes it in human beings during scary situations. How does the body respond to enable it to deal with the situation?
Name the hormone released and the gland which secretes it in human beings during scary situations. How does the body respond to enable it to deal with the situation?
During scary or stressful situations, the hormone released is adrenaline, which is secreted by the adrenal glands.
Body's Response to Adrenaline:
- Increased Heartbeat: Adrenaline is secreted directly into the blood and carried to various parts of the body. The heart beats faster, resulting in a rapid supply of oxygen to our skeletal muscles.
- Redirection of Blood Flow: Blood flow to the digestive system and skin is reduced because the smooth muscles around the small arteries in these organs contract. This diverts the blood flow towards our skeletal muscles.
- Increased Breathing Rate: The breathing rate increases due to the rapid contractions of the diaphragm and rib muscles.
- Preparation for Action: All these responses together increase the metabolic rate and energy availability, enabling the body to deal with the emergency situation (commonly known as the 'fight or flight' response).
Marking Scheme
- 11 mark for naming the hormone (adrenaline) and the gland (adrenal gland).
- 22 marks for listing at least three physiological responses of the body (heartbeat, blood redirection, breathing rate) and explaining how they help.
Hint
Identify the hormone associated with 'fight or flight' and the gland located on top of the kidneys. Think about what happens to your heart rate and breathing when you get scared.
Quick Oral Answer
The hormone released is adrenaline, secreted by the adrenal glands. It increases heart rate, breathing rate, and diverts blood to skeletal muscles to prepare the body for a 'fight or flight' response.
Analysis & Explanation
Adrenaline is often called the 'emergency hormone' or 'fight-or-flight hormone'. When a person faces a scary situation, the sensory organs signal the brain, which stimulates the adrenal glands (located on top of the kidneys) to release adrenaline into the bloodstream. The physiological changes (increased heart rate, diverted blood flow, and faster breathing) are designed to maximize oxygen and glucose delivery to the active skeletal muscles, preparing the body for immediate physical action.
Common Mistakes
- 1Spelling adrenaline or adrenal incorrectly.
- 2Forgetting to explain how the physiological changes help (e.g., just saying 'breathing increases' without mentioning that it supplies more oxygen to muscles).
- 3Confusing the adrenal gland with the thyroid or pituitary gland.
Interesting Facts
Adrenaline acts so quickly that the entire 'fight or flight' response can be fully activated within seconds of perceiving a threat!
Spotted a mistake or something unclear?
Tell us — we fix reported answers fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2023?
This question carries 3 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2023 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Chemical Reactions and Equations" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Hormonal Response in Scary Situations" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2023 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section C in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2023 paper.