Which hormone is known as the stress hormone?

Last Updated: 26 Jun 2026

A reliable solution begins by identifying the organ, tissue, cell, hormone, nutrient, pathogen, or biological process named in the stem and then linking it with its precise function or defining feature. Restate the question in your own words, predict the answer before checking the options, and confirm that the explanation and correct-option field both point to Cortisol.

AInsulin

BThyroxine

CCortisol

DMelatonin

Correct Answer: CortisolYour Answer: C

Explanation

During the "fight or flight" response triggered by stress, cortisol (along with adrenaline) prepares the body to handle danger. Insulin — Insulin is secreted by the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It is NOT the stress hormone. Thyroxine — Thyroxine (T4) is secreted by the thyroid gland. It is NOT specifically the stress hormone. Melatonin — Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland. It regulates the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) and is often called the "sleep hormone." It is NOT the stress hormone. 📝 Important Note: Hormone source chart — Cortisol: Adrenal cortex (stress hormone); Adrenaline (epinephrine): Adrenal medulla (fight or flight); Insulin: Pancreas (lowers blood sugar); Melatonin: Pineal gland (sleep); Thyroxine: Thyroid (metabolism). Cushing's syndrome = excess cortisol; Addison's disease = cortisol deficiency.

Important Notes

med answer in this record is Cortisol, corresponding to option C. The answer field, correct index, and both explanations must remain aligned.
Read the complete stem and identify the exact demand: organ, gland, hormone, cell, tissue, nutrient, enzyme, pathogen, vector, deficiency disease, body fluid, or physiological function.
Learn endocrine facts as source–hormone–target–effect–disorder chains. Common errors arise when students confuse the gland producing a hormone with the organ affected by it.
Learn nutrition facts as nutrient–source–function–deficiency pairs. Vitamins and minerals can have several roles, but SSC questions usually ask the best-known primary association.
Insulin, Thyroxine, Melatonin are eliminated here because none satisfies the precise requirement of the stem. Practising the reason for each rejection is more reliable than memorising only the correct choice.

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FAQ

SSC CGL Human Body FAQs

Common questions and clear answers for this topic.

Which body systems are most important for SSC CGL preparation?

The digestive, circulatory, nervous, and skeletal systems appear most frequently, along with sensory organs and basic endocrine functions.

How many bones are there in the human body, and is this commonly asked?

Yes, the human body has 206 bones, and questions about the largest, smallest, and total bone count appear fairly often.

What kind of blood-related questions come up in SSC CGL?

Questions usually cover blood group compatibility, the role of platelets in clotting, and basic facts about blood pressure and heart function.

Do I need detailed biochemistry knowledge for the human body section?

No, most questions focus on what each organ does and why, rather than the detailed biochemical processes behind it.

How can I retain human body facts more effectively for the exam?

Linking facts to real-life observations, like why pulse is checked at the wrist, makes them easier to recall than memorizing textbook lines.

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