Final answer:
Cortisol affects glucose metabolism, suppresses the immune system, increases substrate availability for tissue repair, enhances metabolism, and controls blood pressure. The three metabolic effects are gluconeogenesis, increased metabolism to maintain glucose levels, and increased tissue repair substances. Imbalances in cortisol levels can lead to conditions like Cushing's or Addison's disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several effects of cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal glands.
- Increases blood sugar through gluconeogenesis, which is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.
- Suppresses the immune system by reducing inflammation, which can be beneficial short-term but harmful if prolonged.
- Enhances the brain's use of glucose and increases the availability of substances that repair tissues.
- Increases fat, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism to maintain blood glucose levels.
- Controls blood pressure and reduces bone formation.
The three metabolic effects of cortisol are:
- Increasing blood sugar through gluconeogenesis.
- Increasing metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates to maintain blood glucose levels.
- Increasing the availability of substances that repair tissues.
Through these actions, cortisol helps maintain homeostasis during stress but can lead to adverse effects such as Cushing's disease or Addison's disease if not regulated appropriately.