Which hormone produced by the adrenal gland is known as a stress hormone?

The hormone produced by the adrenal gland that is known as a stress hormone is cortisol. Cortisol plays a critical role in the body's response to stress by regulating various functions such as metabolism, immune response, and the inflammatory response. When a person encounters a stressful situation, cortisol levels increase, helping to mobilize energy and manage physiological demands. It effectively prepares the body to handle stressors by increasing blood sugar levels and suppressing non-essential functions, such as digestion and immune response, which are less critical in immediate danger.

This hormone is part of the body's larger stress response system, which includes activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. It is essential for maintaining homeostasis during periods of acute stress. The other hormones produced by the adrenal gland, while they do play important roles in the body's overall function, are associated with different physiological processes rather than the primary stress response.