Which gland produces hormones that help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure and respond to stress?

• A. Pancreas
• B. Adrenal gland
• C. Gonads
• D. Pituitary gland

Answer: (B)

The adrenal glands handle this combination of roles. The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine that quickly raise blood sugar and increase blood pressure during stress. The adrenal cortex produces cortisol, which increases blood glucose by promoting gluconeogenesis, and aldosterone, which helps regulate blood pressure by controlling sodium and water balance. While the pancreas mainly regulates blood sugar through insulin and glucagon, it does not manage blood pressure or the broad stress response in the same integrated way. Gonads and the pituitary gland have other primary functions that don’t align with this specific combination of regulation.