Which statements correctly identify the primary hormones involved in the stress response during acute stress?

Which statements correctly identify the primary hormones involved in the stress response during acute stress?

• A. Epinephrine and norepinephrine raise heart rate and glucose availability; cortisol supports gluconeogenesis and tissue repair
• B. Insulin and glucagon regulate energy and are the primary stress hormones
• C. Serotonin and dopamine are the main stress hormones during acute stress
• D. Estrogen and testosterone are the only hormones involved in stress response

Answer: (C)

During acute stress, the body rapidly activates the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal glands to prepare for a quick response. The primary hormones are epinephrine and norepinephrine, released from the adrenal medulla, which drive the fight-or-flight changes—raising heart rate and making glucose more available for quick energy. Cortisol, released through the HPA axis, comes into play a bit later to sustain energy by promoting gluconeogenesis and to support tissue repair and recovery after the immediate surge. Other substances mentioned—insulin and glucagon—are involved in energy balance, but they aren’t the main drivers of the acute stress response. Serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters tied to mood and reward, not primary stress hormones, and estrogen and testosterone are sex hormones that don’t serve as the primary mediators of acute stress. So the best description is that epinephrine and norepinephrine handle the immediate stress response, with cortisol supporting longer-term energy and recovery.

During acute stress, the body rapidly activates the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal glands to prepare for a quick response. The primary hormones are epinephrine and norepinephrine, released from the adrenal medulla, which drive the fight-or-flight changes—raising heart rate and making glucose more available for quick energy. Cortisol, released through the HPA axis, comes into play a bit later to sustain energy by promoting gluconeogenesis and to support tissue repair and recovery after the immediate surge. Other substances mentioned—insulin and glucagon—are involved in energy balance, but they aren’t the main drivers of the acute stress response. Serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters tied to mood and reward, not primary stress hormones, and estrogen and testosterone are sex hormones that don’t serve as the primary mediators of acute stress. So the best description is that epinephrine and norepinephrine handle the immediate stress response, with cortisol supporting longer-term energy and recovery.