How do adrenal hormones influence gastrointestinal function?
Adrenal hormones such as epinephrine will slow down the GI tract. Peristaltic movements slow, stomach secretions lessen, the anal sphincters close off, etc. Think about if you’re in a fight or flight situation. If you’re running, your body will need all the energy it can get in its muscles to help you run, instead of expending energy on GI function. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that speeds up GI function (but it’s not really an adrenal hormone).
