What hormones does the adrenal medulla release during an acute stress response?

During an acute stress response, the adrenal medulla primarily releases epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine. These hormones are critical components of the "fight or flight" response, which helps the body react swiftly to perceived threats.

Epinephrine increases heart rate, elevates blood pressure, and boosts energy supplies, which prepare the body for rapid action. Similarly, norepinephrine has a role in increasing blood flow to muscles and enhancing alertness. Both hormones work together to optimize the body's performance in high-stress situations.

This response is part of the sympathetic nervous system's activation, and understanding it is pivotal in biofeedback practices that aim to help individuals manage stress reactions effectively. The other options either include hormones not associated with the adrenal medulla or do not pertain to the acute stress response. Therefore, identifying the correct hormones released by the adrenal medulla provides a foundational understanding of the body’s physiological responses to stress.