Question

The negative feedback loops involved in the stress response are responsible for __________?

1) Mobilizing the body's resources to address the stressor
2) Restricting blood flow in other areas of the body where it is not needed
3) Regulating glucose metabolism to ensure blood glucose levels remain high to respond to stress
4) Suppressing cortisol secretion and preventing extended elevations in hormones

Answer 1

The negative feedback loops in the stress response counteract the production of stress hormones like cortisol to prevent a prolonged state of emergency within the body (1).

Step-by-step explanation:

The negative feedback loops involved in the stress response are responsible for suppressing cortisol secretion and preventing extended elevations in hormones.

During a stress response, the body uses the fight-or-flight response to mobilize energy and resources. The sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis play crucial roles in this process. Initially, hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released to provide energy and prepare the body for a response.

However, if the stress is prolonged, it is vital to suppress the secretion of cortisol to prevent adverse effects on the body, such as a weakened immune system. The negative feedback loop ensures that cortisol levels do not remain high for too long, thus protecting the body from the negative aspects of a prolonged stress response.