Nursing Care for Disorders of the Endocrine and Exocrine Systems (NDEE) Practice Test 2026 - Free NDEE Practice Questions and Study Guide

Cortisol is primarily involved in the body's stress response. It is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that plays a critical role in the body's reaction to stress. When a person is faced with a stressful situation, the hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol along with other stress hormones.

Cortisol helps mobilize energy stores by increasing glucose levels in the bloodstream, which is essential for immediate energy needs during stressful events. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory effects and helps manage the body's response to physical and emotional stressors. This makes it a key player in regulating various physiological processes during times of stress, ensuring that the body can respond effectively to challenges.

Other hormones mentioned might be involved in stress responses but serve different roles. For example, adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) quickly prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response by increasing heart rate and blood flow to muscles. Norepinephrine acts alongside adrenaline to help maintain alertness and focus. Insulin, on the other hand, is involved in regulating blood sugar but does not have a direct role in the stress response. Thus, cortisol stands out as the primary hormone that orchestrates the comprehensive stress response in the body.