During the general adaptation syndrome, which stage follows the alarm stage and involves attempts to cope and adapt?

• A. Alarm
• B. Resistance
• C. Exhaustion
• D. Recovery

Answer: (B)

During the general adaptation syndrome, after the initial alarm reaction, the body enters a stage of resistance. In this phase the organism works to cope with the ongoing stressor by sustaining arousal and mobilizing energy and resources. Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol help keep the body prepared to deal with the threat, glucose is mobilized for energy, and physiological systems are kept in a heightened state to counteract the stressor. The goal is to adapt to the stress and return toward balance, even though the body remains alert and engaged with the challenge. If the stress continues and resources are continually taxed, the system may then move toward exhaustion, where defenses are depleted and vulnerability to illness increases. Recovery, in the sense of a return to baseline after adaptation, is more about returning to homeostasis rather than a separate stage in the sequence.