Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Definition

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy by cells formed in the placenta, which nourishes the egg after it has been fertilized and becomes attached to the uterine wall. It is often used as an indicator of pregnancy and can be detected in the mother's blood and urine.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. hCG is produced by cells formed in the placenta, which helps maintain the corpus luteum during the early stages of pregnancy.
2. The level of hCG doubles every 2-3 days during early pregnancy, reaching a peak around 10-12 weeks of gestation.
3. hCG can be detected in the mother's blood and urine, and is the basis for most pregnancy tests.
4. In addition to its role in pregnancy, hCG is also used as a marker for certain types of cancer, such as testicular and ovarian cancer.
5. Abnormal levels of hCG can be an indicator of potential pregnancy complications, such as ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the female reproductive system during pregnancy.
  • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by cells formed in the placenta during pregnancy. Its primary function is to help maintain the corpus luteum, which is responsible for producing progesterone in the early stages of pregnancy. This helps ensure the uterus is prepared to support the growing fetus. Additionally, hCG can be detected in the mother's blood and urine, making it a reliable indicator of pregnancy and a key component of most pregnancy tests.
• Describe the relationship between hCG levels and the progression of pregnancy.
  • The levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) increase rapidly during early pregnancy. Specifically, hCG levels double every 2-3 days in the first trimester, reaching a peak around 10-12 weeks of gestation. This steady rise in hCG levels is a reliable indicator of a healthy pregnancy. Abnormal hCG levels, such as unexpectedly low or high levels, can be a sign of potential pregnancy complications, such as ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy, which require prompt medical attention.
• Analyze the clinical significance of measuring hCG levels beyond its use in pregnancy testing.
  • In addition to its role in pregnancy testing, measuring human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels can also be clinically significant in the diagnosis and monitoring of certain types of cancer. Elevated hCG levels can be an indicator of testicular or ovarian cancer, as these types of cancer can cause the body to produce abnormal amounts of hCG. Monitoring hCG levels can also be useful in tracking the effectiveness of cancer treatment and detecting any potential recurrence of the disease. Therefore, the measurement of hCG levels has important applications beyond just confirming pregnancy, making it a valuable biomarker in the field of oncology as well.

Related terms

Placenta: The organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy to provide nourishment and oxygen to the growing fetus and remove waste products.

Fertilization: The process of fusion of a sperm cell with an egg cell, resulting in the formation of a zygote, which will develop into an embryo and then a fetus.

Uterus:

The hollow, muscular organ in the female pelvis where the fetus develops during pregnancy.