Which hormone is released in response to stress?

Which hormone is released in response to stress?

• A. Insulin
• B. Adrenaline
• C. Thyroxine
• D. Cortisol

Answer: (D)

When the body encounters stress, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis is activated, leading to the adrenal cortex releasing cortisol. This hormone has several key roles that help the body cope with ongoing stress: it increases blood glucose by promoting gluconeogenesis, mobilizes energy stores by breaking down proteins and fats, and helps regulate immune and inflammatory responses. Adrenaline is released quickly for immediate fight-or-flight reactions, but cortisol takes on the longer-term adjustments needed during sustained stress. Insulin lowers blood glucose and isn’t a primary stress signal, while thyroxine mainly sets the overall metabolic rate and isn’t the primary mediator of the stress response.

When the body encounters stress, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis is activated, leading to the adrenal cortex releasing cortisol. This hormone has several key roles that help the body cope with ongoing stress: it increases blood glucose by promoting gluconeogenesis, mobilizes energy stores by breaking down proteins and fats, and helps regulate immune and inflammatory responses. Adrenaline is released quickly for immediate fight-or-flight reactions, but cortisol takes on the longer-term adjustments needed during sustained stress. Insulin lowers blood glucose and isn’t a primary stress signal, while thyroxine mainly sets the overall metabolic rate and isn’t the primary mediator of the stress response.