Which is the order of progression in the general adaptation syndrome (GAS)?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The stages of Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome are alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Relevant concepts: GAS describes the body’s predictable biological response to prolonged stress through three stages. Key players are the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal) axis, with hormones such as adrenaline in the immediate phase and cortisol during sustained response.

Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Alarm stage (initial): On first exposure to a stressor the body mounts a rapid “fight-or-flight” reaction. Sympathetic activation releases adrenaline and noradrenaline, heart rate and blood pressure rise, and the organism mobilizes energy stores. This is the immediate shock + countershock phase.
2. Resistance stage (adaptation): If the stressor persists, the body enters resistance. The HPA axis increases cortisol secretion to maintain arousal while attempting to restore homeostasis. Physiological responses remain elevated but are adapted to the ongoing stress; energy resources are conserved and coping mechanisms are engaged.
3. Exhaustion stage (decompensation): Prolonged activation depletes adaptive resources. Cortisol and other mediators cause wear-and-tear, immune suppression, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to illness. Without relief, systems fail and pathology may result.

Why the correct answer is correct: The described physiological sequence—immediate alarm, adaptive resistance, then resource depletion—matches “alarm, resistance, exhaustion.” This ordering reflects Selye’s original model and the underlying neuroendocrine timeline (adrenaline first, sustained cortisol, then depletion).

Why other options are incorrect:
- “resistance, exhaustion, alarm”: Starts with adaptation before any alarm—physiologically implausible.
- “alarm, exhaustion, resistance”: Places exhaustion before adaptation, which contradicts the progressive depletion that follows prolonged resistance.
- “exhaustion, alarm, resistance”: Reverses the entire sequence, inconsistent with observed stress physiology.

Final confirmation: The correct order is alarm, resistance, exhaustion (the provided answer).

Which is the order of progression in the general adaptation syndrome (GAS)?Single choice

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