How do the adrenal glands assist the body during stress?

The adrenal glands play a crucial role in the body's response to stress primarily through the release of hormones that increase blood glucose levels. When the body experiences stress, whether physical or psychological, the hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to secrete hormones, including cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline).

Cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, is particularly important in this regard. It promotes gluconeogenesis, which is the process of converting non-carbohydrate substrates into glucose within the liver, thereby increasing the availability of glucose in the bloodstream. This supply of glucose provides the necessary energy to vital organs and muscles, equipping the body to handle the stressor effectively.

Additionally, epinephrine contributes to the stress response by mobilizing energy stores and also increases heart rate and blood flow to muscles. However, the key aspect of how the adrenal glands assist the body during stress, highlighted in the correct answer, focuses on the increase of blood glucose levels, which is essential for immediate energy use when faced with stress.