A medical student is scheduled to undergo a clinical exam of his assessment skills under the supervision of the attending physician. As a result of this stressor, the student has high serum levels of glucocorticoid hormones such as cortisol. Which of the following statements best captures an aspect of the role of glucocorticoid hormones such as cortisol in the physiological response to stress?
A) Blood glucose levels are increased in anticipation of energy expenditure.
B) The immune system is bolstered in response to an impending threat.
C) Osteoblast activity and protein synthesis are suppressed in order to refocus energy.
D) Attention, arousal, and respiratory rate are increased in order to prepare for a response.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cortisol suppresses osteoblast activity, hematopoiesis, protein and collagen synthesis, and immune responses with the goal of preserving energy for a fight-or-flight response. Blood glucose levels are stabilized, not increased, and the immune system is not prioritized in the stress response. Increased attention, arousal, and respiratory rate are the domain of the locus ceruleus-norepinephrine system.

A Medical Student Is Scheduled to Undergo a Clinical Exam