Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after implantation, playing a critical role in maintaining pregnancy. It signals the ovaries to produce progesterone, which is essential for sustaining the uterine lining and supporting fetal development. This hormone is also the basis for most pregnancy tests, as its levels can be detected in urine or blood during early pregnancy.
congrats on reading the definition of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). now let's actually learn it.