Question 3 of 15 Cortisol's main function, with respect to energy is To increase the availability of glucose for energy consumption To ramp up fatty acid oxidation ) To increase availability of amino acids for energy consumption To increase availability of fatty acids for energy consumption

The correct answer is **To increase the availability of glucose for energy consumption.**<br /><br />Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone released from the adrenal cortex in response to stress. Its primary role in energy metabolism is to increase blood glucose levels. It does this through several mechanisms, including:<br /><br />* **Gluconeogenesis:** Stimulating the liver to produce glucose from non-carbohydrate sources like amino acids.<br />* **Decreased Glucose Uptake:** Inhibiting glucose uptake by peripheral tissues (muscle and adipose tissue), saving it for the brain.<br />* **Protein Catabolism:** Breaking down proteins into amino acids, which can then be used for gluconeogenesis.<br /><br />While cortisol *can* increase the availability of amino acids and fatty acids, its primary energy-related function is centered around glucose. It doesn't primarily *ramp up* fatty acid oxidation for immediate energy the way, for example, adrenaline might. Instead, it makes other substrates available so glucose is spared for the brain.<br />