AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands in times of fear or stress.
Full specification wording
Negative feedback (HT only): Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands in times of fear or stress.
Adrenaline is a hormone released by the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 5
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Adrenaline is a hormone released by the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. It is produced in times of fear or stress, for example when a person is startled or faces danger. Once in the bloodstream, adrenaline travels to target organs and triggers rapid responses. It increases heart rate and boosts the delivery of oxygen and glucose to the brain and muscles, preparing the body for ‘flight or fight’. This is an example of hormonal coordination: a gland detects a change and secretes a chemical messenger that affects distant target organs.
What earns the marks
- Identify the adrenal glands as the source of adrenaline.
- State that adrenaline is produced in times of fear or stress.
- Describe adrenaline as a hormone transported in the blood to target organs.
- Link adrenaline release to preparation for ‘flight or fight’.
- Give a concrete example, such as a sudden scare causing a faster heartbeat.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Naming the thyroid gland instead of the adrenal glands.
Put it right by stating that adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands.
Saying adrenaline is a nerve impulse.
Put it right by describing it as a hormone carried in the blood.
Stating that adrenaline is released only during exercise.
Put it right by explaining that fear or stress is the trigger.
Exam tips
- Use the phrase ‘in times of fear or stress’ to show the trigger clearly.
- Name the adrenal glands precisely rather than writing ‘glands’ alone.
- Link the hormone to a rapid body response to show understanding of its function.
Try the lesson
The start of the Negative feedback (HT only): Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands in times of fear or stress. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
When is adrenaline produced and which glands produce it?
Listen
Adrenaline is a hormone released by the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. It is produced in times of fear or stress, for example when a person is startled or faces danger. Once in the bloodstream, adrenaline travels to target organs and triggers rapid responses. It increases heart rate and boosts the delivery of oxygen and glucose to the brain and muscles, preparing the body for ‘flight or fight’. This is an example of hormonal coordination: a gland detects a change and secretes a chemical messenger that affects distant target organs. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identify the adrenal glands as the source of adrenaline. State that adrenaline is produced in times of fear or stress. Describe adrenaline as a hormone transported in the blood to target organs. Link adrenaline release to preparation for ‘flight or fight’. A common slip: Naming the thyroid gland instead of the adrenal glands. Instead, stating that adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands. Exam tip: Use the phrase ‘in times of fear or stress’ to show the trigger clearly.
See it
Put it in order
Put these steps in the order they happen.
- 1. Preparation for 'flight or fight'
- 2. Rapid responses
- 3. Adrenaline released
- 4. Target organs
- 5. Fear or stress
- 6. Adrenal glands
- 7. Transported in the blood
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Adrenal glands
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Hormonal coordination
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Response to stress
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Blood transport of hormones
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Adrenal glands
- The glands that produce adrenaline in times of fear or stress.
- Hormonal coordination
- A gland detects a change and secretes a chemical messenger that affects distant target organs.
- Response to stress
- Adrenaline is produced in times of fear or stress, preparing the body for 'flight or fight'.
- Blood transport of hormones
- Once in the bloodstream, adrenaline travels to target organs and triggers rapid responses.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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