What role does cortisol play in the body during stress?

Cortisol plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress by increasing glucose availability. During a stress response, the body requires immediate energy to cope with the situation, and cortisol facilitates this by stimulating gluconeogenesis, the process through which glucose is produced from non-carbohydrate sources in the liver. Additionally, cortisol helps to mobilize glycogen stores, effectively releasing glucose into the bloodstream, ensuring that there is enough energy available for essential functions and a quick response to the stressor.

The other options do not accurately reflect cortisol's primary role during stress. While cortisol may have various effects on metabolism and overall function in the body, its main contribution in stress situations is to ensure that energy supply is adequate to meet the increased demands.