What is the body's response to a stressor called?

The body's response to a stressor is referred to as the stress response. This term encompasses the various physiological changes and reactions that occur when an individual perceives a threat or challenge. The stress response is a complex process that involves the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body to react to the stressor.

This response includes increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and bolstered energy supplies, amongst other reactions, which are critical for survival. It's important to recognize that while there are specific pathways and mechanisms involved in the stress response, the term itself broadly covers all of the body's adaptations in response to stress.

Other options, while relevant to stress and the body’s reactions, describe different concepts. The fight or flight response is a specific component of the stress response that focuses on immediate reactions to danger. Homeostasis refers to the body's efforts to maintain stable internal conditions despite changes in the external environment. The adrenal response highlights the role of adrenal hormones in stress but doesn’t encompass the full range of physiological changes that define the overall stress response.