Which hormone is produced by the adrenal cortex and plays a key role in metabolism and the stress response?

Which hormone is produced by the adrenal cortex and plays a key role in metabolism and the stress response?

• A. Insulin
• B. Cortisol
• C. Epinephrine
• D. Calcitonin

Answer: (B)

Cortisol, produced by the adrenal cortex, is a glucocorticoid central to metabolism and the body’s response to stress. When the HPA axis is activated, ACTH from the pituitary stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol. It promotes gluconeogenesis in the liver, mobilizes amino acids from muscle, and increases lipolysis to raise blood glucose and provide energy during stress. It also modulates inflammation and immune responses and helps maintain vascular responsiveness to catecholamines, supporting blood pressure during stress. Insulin is made in the pancreas and lowers blood glucose; epinephrine comes from the adrenal medulla and acts rapidly in the fight-or-flight response; calcitonin from the thyroid lowers calcium levels. Thus, cortisol fits the description as the adrenal cortex hormone key to metabolism and the stress response.