<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article's lead section may not adequately summarize its contents . To comply with Wikipedia's lead section guidelines, please consider modifying the lead to provide an accessible overview of the article's key points in such a way that it can stand on its own as a concise version of the article . (discuss). (November 2016) </Td> </Tr> <P> Cortisol is a steroid hormone, in the glucocorticoid class of hormones . When used as a medication, it is known as hydrocortisone . </P> <P> It is produced in humans by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex within the adrenal gland . It is released in response to stress and low blood - glucose concentration . It functions to increase blood sugar through gluconeogenesis, to suppress the immune system, and to aid in the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates . It also decreases bone formation . </P> <P> In the early fasting state, cortisol stimulates gluconeogenesis (the formation of glucose), and activates antistress and anti-inflammatory pathways . Cortisol also plays an important, but indirect, role in liver and muscle glycogenolysis, the breaking down of glycogen to glucose - 1 - phosphate and glucose . This is done through its passive influence on glucagon . Additionally, cortisol facilitates the activation of glycogen phosphorylase, which is necessary for epinephrine to have an effect on glycogenolysis . </P>

What role does cortisol play in the body
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