Complete Question:
Cortisol is a hormone produced in response to stress, including starvation, in humans. Which of the following is most likely an immediate effect of a starvation-induced increase in cortisol secretion?
(A) Increased activation of the immune system
(B) Increased urine production by the kidneys
(C) Increased bone and collagen formation
(D) Increased mobilization of fatty acids from fat cells
Answer: Increased mobilization of fatty acids from fat cells.
Explanation: Cortisol is a hormone produced in response to stress, including starvation, in humans. Immediate effect of a starvation-induced increase in cortisol secretion is the increased mobilization of fatty acids from fat cells (Adipose tissue).
Starvation occurs when an animal doesn't feed due to unavailability of food. The body system makes use of stored glycogen which is synthesized to glucose by hormonal secretion of glucagon by the pancreas.
However, when the glucose converted is finished. Cortisol is secreted, which then initiate the mobilization of fatty acids as source of energy from the adipose tissues (fat cells) in the body system.
