Answer :
Final answer:
Glucocorticoids like cortisol play an essential role in the long-term stress response by conserving glucose for brain function and reducing its peripheral metabolism. So the correct response to the student's question is (b) Decreased peripheral glucose metabolism.
Explanation:
In addressing how glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, influence stress responses, we understand they play a pivotal role in the body's ability to manage long-term stress. Glucocorticoids have various metabolic effects, including the mobilization of lipid and protein reserves, stimulation of gluconeogenesis, and the conservation of glucose for neural tissues. This ensures that the body can sustain energy production when short-term fuel sources like glycogen are depleted.
Cortisol specifically increases the concentration of glucose and glycogen in the body by driving metabolic pathways in the liver to convert fatty acids and amino acids into glucose (gluconeogenesis) and glycogen. These actions effectively maintain adequate blood glucose levels, vital for the brain and other glucose-dependent tissues during prolonged stress.
Considering the options provided in the student's question, decreased peripheral glucose metabolism aligns with the function of glucocorticoids. This is because glucocorticoids ensure that glucose is available to the neurological tissue by decreasing its uptake and use by peripheral tissues. Therefore, the correct option in the student's question is: (b) Decreased peripheral glucose metabolism
