Final answer:
The correct option is B. Testosterone is the anabolic hormone that increases in response to heavy resistance training, promoting muscle synthesis and recovery, distinguishing it from the catabolic effects of cortisol or the regulatory role of insulin.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anabolic hormone that is released in higher concentrations in response to heavy resistance training is testosterone. Testosterone is known to play a significant role in muscle growth and repair, which is why it is classified as an anabolic hormone. In the context of resistance training, anabolic hormones like testosterone are crucial because they help in synthesizing new muscle tissue and promote recovery. Although cortisol is also released during stress situations, including exercise, it is a catabolic hormone designed to increase blood glucose levels through gluconeogenesis. Therefore, cortisol's primary role is not anabolic in nature.
Among the options provided:
- Insulin is primarily involved in regulating glucose levels in the body by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.
- Cortisol is a catabolic hormone released by the adrenal glands during stress to increase blood sugar and metabolism.
- Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, triggers the fight-or-flight response but is not primarily anabolic.
Therefore, the correct option is B. Testosterone.