What is hydrocortisone?

Hydrocortisone is an adrenal-cortex hormone that plays a significant role in various metabolic processes, particularly in carbohydrate and protein metabolism. It is a type of corticosteroid that helps in regulating inflammation and immune responses in the body. Hydrocortisone is crucial for maintaining the body’s metabolism under stress conditions, influencing the rate at which carbohydrates are converted into energy and affecting how proteins are processed and stored.

The other options do not accurately describe hydrocortisone. While there are hormones that regulate body temperature, hydrocortisone's primary functions are related to metabolism and immune response rather than temperature control. Hydrocortisone is not primarily used for muscle building, although some anabolic steroids are. Lastly, while hydrocortisone can be used to alleviate symptoms of allergies, its main classification and function pertain to its role as a hormone that regulates essential metabolic processes, making option B the most accurate representation of hydrocortisone's role in the body.