Question

a major side effect that stress can cause on the gastrointestinal system is ________.
a. diminished levels of gastrin, leading to constipation
b. elevated levels of gastrin, causing stomach ulcers
c. elevated levels of cortisol, causing overeating
d. diminished levels of cortisol, causing stomach ulcers

please select the best answer from the choices provided.

a
b
c
d

Explanation:

• Option A: Stress typically increases gastrin (not diminishes) related to GI issues, so A is incorrect.
• Option B: Gastrin elevation from stress doesn't directly cause stomach ulcers (ulcers are more linked to H. pylori or acid imbalance with cortisol's role in stress - related ulcers), so B is incorrect.
• Option C: Stress increases cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol can increase appetite and cause overeating, which affects the gastrointestinal system (as overeating impacts digestion). This matches stress - related physiological changes.
• Option D: Stress increases cortisol (not diminishes), and diminished cortisol isn't linked to stomach ulcers in this way, so D is incorrect.

Answer:

C. elevated levels of cortisol, causing overeating