Multiple choice

The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced during pregnancy. What is the source of this hormone?

  1. Zona pellucida

  2. Developing trophoblast

  3. Fetal pituitary gland

  4. Maternal pituitary gland

  5. Ovarian corpus luteum
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

A fall in maternal progesterone levels results in sloughing of the endometrial wall and allows the next ovulation cycle to begin. Therefore, in order for an embryo to implant and remain in the uterus, local and systemic maternal progesterone levels must remain elevated. For the first 14 days after ovulation, the corpus luteum secretes progesterone. Without additional support, the corpus luteum spontaneously regresses at the end of a typical menstrual cycle.

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