What effect does cortisol have during times of stress?

Cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress. When faced with stressful situations, cortisol facilitates several metabolic changes aimed at providing immediate energy and ensuring that the body can respond effectively.

One of the primary effects of cortisol during stress is its ability to increase glucose availability. It promotes gluconeogenesis, which is the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, mainly in the liver. Additionally, it helps to mobilize fatty acids from adipose tissue, as well as amino acids from protein breakdown, ensuring that there is enough substrate available for energy production. This increase in glucose availability is essential for maintaining blood sugar levels and meeting the energy demands of vital organs, especially the brain.

Moreover, cortisol suppresses non-essential functions that are not critical during immediate stress responses. This includes inhibiting processes like reproduction, growth, and immune responses, which can be seen as secondary priorities when the body is under extreme stress. By redirecting energy and resources to more critical survival functions, cortisol helps to optimize the body’s performance in short-term stress situations.

In summary, the correct answer centers around cortisol's increasing effect on glucose availability and its role in temporarily suppressing non-essential functions