Question

Hormones secreted by the placenta to maintain pregnancy are

• A. hCG, progcstogens, estrogens, glucocorticoids
• B. hCG. hPL, progcstogens, prolactin
• C. hCG, hPL, progestogens, estrogens
• D. hCG, hPL, estrogens, rclaxin, oxytocin

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question asks about the hormones secreted by the placenta to maintain pregnancy. The correct answer is: hCG, hPL, progestogens, estrogens. Let's explore the role of each of these hormones:

• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): This hormone is crucial during early pregnancy. It is responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone in the early stages of pregnancy. hCG is unique to pregnancy and is often the basis for pregnancy tests.
• Human Placental Lactogen (hPL): Also known as human chorionic somatomammotropin, hPL plays a role in modulating the metabolic state of the mother during pregnancy to facilitate the energy supply of the fetus. It also has lactogenic properties, hence supports breast development in preparation for lactation.
• Progestogens: These are a group of hormones, with progesterone being the most significant. Progesterone maintains the uterine lining for implantation and supports pregnancy by preventing uterine contractions that could expel the developing embryo or fetus.
• Estrogens: These hormones are crucial for the growth of the uterus and blood flow to the placenta. They help maintain the pregnancy and prepare the body for labor and delivery.

To rule out other options given:

• Glucocorticoids and Relaxin: While these hormones are present in pregnancy, they are not primarily secreted by the placenta for maintaining pregnancy. Glucocorticoids help in fetal lung development, and relaxin aids in preparing the pelvis for childbirth.
• Prolactin: Although important for milk production postpartum, it is not secreted by the placenta.
• Oxytocin: Associated with uterine contractions during labor, it is not involved in maintaining pregnancy.

Thus, the combination of hCG, hPL, progestogens, and estrogens provided in the correct answer are all secreted by the placenta to support and maintain a healthy pregnancy.