Which response is not found in the short-term stress response?

Study for the Ontario Grade 12 University Biology Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with explanations. Gear up for success!

The short-term stress response, commonly referred to as the "fight or flight" response, involves several physiological changes that prepare the body to quickly react to a stressful situation. This response is primarily mediated by the release of hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine) from the adrenal glands.

Increased heart rate is a critical component of the short-term stress response, as it helps pump more blood to vital organs and muscles, providing them with oxygen and nutrients necessary for quick action. Similarly, increased respiration aids in providing the body with more oxygen, which is crucial during a stress response when energy demands are heightened. Heightened alertness is also a key feature, as it enables individuals to be more aware of their surroundings and respond swiftly to threats.

On the other hand, the breakdown of fats is more aligned with long-term stress responses and energy metabolism rather than immediate reactions to short-term stress. Long-term stress leads to prolonged hormone exposure that encourages fat breakdown to provide a sustained energy source. However, in the initial moments of a stress response, the body prioritizes immediate energy sources, such as glucose, rather than mobilizing fats for energy.

Thus, the breakdown of fats does not occur in the immediate short-term stress response, distinguishing it from the other physiological

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