Which of the following hormones is not an integral part of the stress response?


a. Epinephrine
b. Cortisol
c. Insulin
d. Glucagon

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the hormones listed in the options: Epinephrine, Cortisol, Insulin, and Glucagon.
2. Understand the role of each hormone in the body's response to stress.
3. Epinephrine and Cortisol are well-known for their roles in the 'fight or flight' response, which is a key part of the stress response.
4. Glucagon is involved in increasing blood glucose levels, which can be part of the body's response to stress.
5. Insulin primarily regulates blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells, and is not typically associated with the immediate stress response.

Key Concepts

Stress Response

The stress response, also known as the fight-or-flight response, is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to perceived threats. It involves the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to the release of stress hormones such as epinephrine and cortisol, which prepare the body to respond to danger.

Hormones Involved in Stress

Key hormones involved in the stress response include epinephrine, cortisol, and glucagon. Epinephrine, released from the adrenal medulla, increases heart rate and energy availability. Cortisol, produced by the adrenal cortex, helps regulate metabolism and immune response during stress. Glucagon, while not a primary stress hormone, plays a role in increasing blood glucose levels.

Insulin's Role

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Unlike the other hormones mentioned, insulin is not directly involved in the stress response; instead, it functions primarily in energy storage and metabolism, making it less relevant in acute stress situations.