What is the name of the stage in the general adaptation syndrome where the body adapts to stress?

The correct answer pertains to the Resistance stage, which is a crucial phase in the general adaptation syndrome identified by Hans Selye. This stage follows the initial Alarm stage, where the body first recognizes a stressor and initiates its fight-or-flight response, resulting in elevated levels of stress hormones and physiological changes meant to handle immediate threats.

During the Resistance stage, the body begins to adapt to the ongoing stressor. It involves a series of physiological adjustments that allow the body to maintain a state of alertness while working to fend off the stressor over a prolonged period. The body engages in increased production of hormones and metabolic adjustments, such as boosting energy reserves and improving immune function. This adaptation is necessary to maintain performance and stability, enabling the organism to cope with stress more effectively.

If the stress persists for too long without respite, the body can enter the Exhaustion stage, which signifies a depletion of resources and a decline in overall health. Understanding this progression through the various stages of general adaptation syndrome is critical for recognizing how the body copes with chronic stressors and the importance of adequate recovery and management of stress to prevent reaching the point of exhaustion.