From which part of the body is cortisol produced?

Cortisol is produced in the adrenal cortex, which is the outer layer of the adrenal glands located on top of each kidney. The adrenal cortex is responsible for producing several vital hormones, including cortisol, which plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress, metabolism, immune response regulation, and inflammation control.

The production of cortisol is part of the body's fight-or-flight response, and its levels typically rise in response to stress, helping to provide the body with the necessary energy and resources to cope with challenging situations. In addition to its role in stress management, cortisol also aids in maintaining blood sugar levels, regulating blood pressure, and supporting immune function.

The other options, while associated with important bodily functions, do not produce cortisol. The thymus gland is involved in immune function; the pancreas primarily regulates blood sugar levels through insulin and glucagon; and the liver plays a critical role in metabolism but does not produce cortisol.