What is the primary role of cortisol during stress responses?

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, and its primary role during stress responses is to increase blood sugar levels for energy. During times of stress, the body requires additional energy to respond to the perceived threat, and cortisol facilitates this by promoting gluconeogenesis, which is the process of generating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. This increase in glucose availability ensures that vital organs and muscles have sufficient energy to function effectively in stressful situations.

Additionally, cortisol also helps mobilize fatty acids from adipose tissue and amino acids from muscle, further contributing to energy production. This response is crucial for the "fight or flight" mechanism, enabling rapid physical action. Understanding this aspect of cortisol's function underscores its importance in managing energy needs during acute stress, thereby highlighting why increasing blood sugar levels is the correct answer to the question regarding cortisol's primary role in stress responses.