What effect does epinephrine have on digestive activity?

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is part of the body’s fight-or-flight response, which is activated during stressful situations. When epinephrine is released, it prepares the body to respond to a perceived threat. One of the ways it does this is by prioritizing functions that are essential for immediate survival—such as increased heart rate and blood flow to muscles—over processes that are less urgent, like digestion.

The hormone acts by inhibiting the activities of the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to a decrease in digestive activity. Blood flow is redirected away from the digestive organs, and digestive secretions and motility are reduced. This ensures that the body's resources are focused on handling the immediate stressor rather than on digestion, which can be considered a non-essential function in life-threatening situations.

Understanding the role of epinephrine helps explain the physiological priorities during stress, and why digestive activity is decreased rather than increased or maintained.