noun
- A group of neurotransmitters and hormones (including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, and stress responses.
Usage: technical/medical; typically used in plural form; biochemistry and physiology term
Examples
- Catecholamines are released during the fight-or-flight response.
- The body produces catecholamines like adrenaline when under stress.
- Doctors measure catecholamine levels to diagnose certain hormonal disorders.
- Exercise increases catecholamine release in the bloodstream.
- Catecholamines affect mood, attention, and motivation in the brain.