What function do the adrenal glands predominantly serve in the context of stress?

The adrenal glands play a crucial role in the body's response to stress by secreting hormones, particularly cortisol and adrenaline. When an individual perceives a threat or is under stress, the adrenal glands respond by releasing these hormones into the bloodstream. Cortisol helps to regulate metabolism, enhance the body's ability to maintain glucose levels, and modulate immune responses. Adrenaline, on the other hand, prepares the body for a "fight or flight" reaction by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies. This hormonal response is central to how the body manages and copes with stress.

The emphasis on hormone secretion highlights the adrenal glands' primary function in supporting the body's ability to handle stressors effectively, making this answer accurate in the context of stress management. Other options, while related to physical functions, do not focus specifically on the response to stress as directly as the role of hormones secreted by the adrenal glands.