Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Definition

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy by cells formed in the placenta, which is the organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy to feed the egg after it has been fertilized and becomes attached to the uterine wall. This hormone is essential for the development and function of the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure in the ovary that produces progesterone to maintain the early stages of pregnancy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. hCG is produced by cells formed in the placenta, which is the organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy to feed the egg after it has been fertilized.
2. hCG is essential for the development and function of the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure in the ovary that produces progesterone to maintain the early stages of pregnancy.
3. hCG levels rise rapidly during early pregnancy, doubling every 2-3 days, and are used as a reliable indicator of pregnancy.
4. hCG can be detected in the mother's blood and urine, providing the basis for most pregnancy tests.
5. Abnormal levels of hCG can be associated with certain medical conditions, such as gestational trophoblastic disease, which requires prompt medical attention.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in embryonic development.
  • hCG is a crucial hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It plays a vital role in embryonic development by stimulating the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure in the ovary, to continue producing progesterone. Progesterone is essential for preparing and maintaining the uterine lining for implantation and supporting the early stages of pregnancy. Without the presence of hCG, the corpus luteum would degenerate, and progesterone levels would decline, leading to the termination of the pregnancy.
• Describe how changes in hCG levels during fetal development can be used to monitor pregnancy.
  • hCG levels rise rapidly during early pregnancy, doubling every 2-3 days. This rapid increase in hCG levels is a reliable indicator of a healthy pregnancy and can be detected in the mother's blood and urine, providing the basis for most pregnancy tests. Monitoring hCG levels throughout pregnancy can also help healthcare providers assess the progression of the pregnancy, detect potential complications, and diagnose conditions like ectopic pregnancy or gestational trophoblastic disease.
• Analyze the importance of hCG in the context of changes during pregnancy, labor, and birth.
  • hCG plays a crucial role in the changes that occur during pregnancy, labor, and birth. During the early stages of pregnancy, hCG stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone, which is essential for preparing and maintaining the uterine lining for implantation and supporting the developing fetus. As the placenta matures, it takes over the production of progesterone, reducing the need for the corpus luteum. Towards the end of pregnancy, the placenta produces higher levels of hCG, which can trigger the onset of labor and the expulsion of the fetus and placenta during childbirth. Monitoring hCG levels throughout pregnancy helps healthcare providers assess the health and progress of the pregnancy, ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus.

Related terms

Corpus Luteum: A temporary endocrine structure in the ovary that produces progesterone to maintain the early stages of pregnancy.

Placenta: The organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy to feed the egg after it has been fertilized and becomes attached to the uterine wall.

Progesterone: A steroid hormone produced primarily by the corpus luteum during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and by the placenta during pregnancy, essential for the preparation and maintenance of the uterine lining for implantation and early pregnancy.