What is the overall purpose of the General Adaptation Syndrome?

• A. Describes the body's response to stress with stages
• B. Describes only acute injuries
• C. Describes immune suppression
• D. Describes sleep cycles

Answer: (A)

General Adaptation Syndrome explains how the body responds to stress in a predictable, staged pattern—alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. The purpose is to mobilize energy and physiological resources to cope with a stressor and maintain or regain balance (homeostasis). In the alarm stage, the fight-or-flight response kicks in with adrenaline and cortisol release, preparing the body to react. During the resistance stage, the body attempts to adapt to the ongoing stress by sustaining hormonal activity and energy use. If the stress is prolonged and resources become depleted, the exhaustion stage follows, leading to increased vulnerability to illness and impaired function. This framework describes a broad, nonspecific response to different stressors, not limited to immune suppression, sleep patterns, or only acute injuries.