cortisol

Definition

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex in the adrenal glands, which plays a critical role in the body's response to stress by regulating metabolism, immune responses, and assisting with maintaining blood sugar levels. It also helps in controlling the sleep/wake cycle.

Analogy

Imagine cortisol as the body's built-in alarm system that activates during stressful events, similar to how a school bell signals changes in periods. Just like how the bell prepares students to switch classes by grabbing their books and moving to the next classroom, cortisol prepares your body to face challenges by increasing glucose in the bloodstream and enhancing brain use of glucose.

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