Final answer:
Among the given options, increased blood glucose levels represent an acute effect of stress, as part of the fight-or-flight response designed to provide energy for immediate action. Chronic stress can significantly weaken immune function and contribute to various health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
An acute effect of stress is a temporary and immediate reaction that occurs in response to a perceived threat or challenge. Among the options provided, increased blood glucose levels is an example of an acute stress response.
This physiological change is part of the fight-or-flight response, which is an evolutionary mechanism designed to help an organism survive immediate threats by providing the energy needed for action.
Immune function can be compromised as a result of chronic stress, leading to a weakened resistance against infections and potentially contributing to the progression of various illnesses.
Chronic stress affects not only mental health with the development of disorders such as depression and anxiety but also has implications for physical health, including an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal issues, and metabolic disturbances like increased insulin resistance.
When examining the sympathetic nervous system activation, as illustrated in materials like Figure 3.14, it is evident that this response prepares the body for fight or flight. Stress hormones such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol are released, leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies while diverting blood flow from less critical to more essential organs during an acute stress episode.