How does the body prolong the effects of the sympathetic nervous system during shock?

• A. By stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas
• B. By decreasing heart rate and blood pressure
• C. By releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla
• D. By increasing parasympathetic nerve activity

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS): The SNS is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, which prepares the body to respond to stress or danger by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability.
2. Learn about the adrenal medulla: The adrenal medulla is a part of the adrenal glands located above the kidneys. It plays a key role in the SNS by releasing hormones such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
3. Recognize the function of epinephrine and norepinephrine: These hormones act as chemical messengers that prolong and amplify the effects of the SNS by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: Stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas would lower blood glucose levels, which is counterproductive during shock. Decreasing heart rate and blood pressure is a parasympathetic response, not sympathetic. Increasing parasympathetic nerve activity would oppose the SNS effects.
5. Conclude that the correct mechanism for prolonging the effects of the SNS during shock is the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla, as these hormones sustain the body's 'fight or flight' response.