Which substance helps the body manage stress according to endocrine function?

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and it plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress. Often referred to as the "stress hormone," cortisol helps regulate various functions during stressful situations. It contributes to the body's fight-or-flight response by increasing glucose availability in the bloodstream for immediate energy, enhancing the brain's use of glucose, and helping to curb non-essential functions in a fight-or-flight situation. This includes decreasing the activity of systems like digestion and reproduction to prioritize the body's energy on immediate survival needs.

The reason cortisol is the best answer is that its secretion is directly triggered by stress-related stimuli, making it a key player in the endocrine system's management of stress. It helps maintain homeostasis by influencing many physiological functions, including immune response and inflammation control, thereby allowing the body to cope with stress more effectively.