Which hormone is released in response to stress and helps regulate metabolism?

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

Answer: (B)

When stress occurs, the body activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to the release of cortisol. This hormone shifts metabolism to ensure a steady supply of energy during stress. It stimulates gluconeogenesis in the liver, mobilizes amino acids from protein, and frees fatty acids from fat tissue, helping to raise and maintain blood glucose and energy availability for the brain and muscles. It also modulates how sensitive tissues respond to insulin, supporting longer-term energy regulation rather than a moment-to-moment response.

Adrenaline acts quickly to boost heart rate and provide immediate energy, but its role is primarily acute, not prolonged regulation of metabolism. Insulin and glucagon regulate blood glucose based on current nutrient status and have different primary roles than a stress-activated metabolic regulator. Thus, cortisol best fits the description of a stress-released hormone that helps regulate metabolism.