In evaluating the role of the autonomic nervous system related to urinary incontinence that developed in a 67-year-old man after prostatectomy, it is determined that the sympathetic nerves are injured. What is the natural hormone in the catecholamine pathway?
High-Yield Explanation
The metabolic pathway of catecholamines is initiated by conversion of tyrosine to dopa, which in turn, forms dopamine. Dopamine forms norepinephrine, which is the precursor of epinephrine. Epinephrine is the main amine secreted during life and is concerned with the "fight or flight" reaction.