Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. hCG levels begin to rise shortly after implantation and can be detected in blood tests as early as 6 to 8 days post-fertilization.
2. One of hCG's primary functions is to prevent the degradation of the corpus luteum, ensuring continued production of progesterone.
3. Abnormal levels of hCG can indicate potential complications in pregnancy, such as ectopic pregnancies or miscarriage.
4. hCG is also used medically to treat fertility issues by stimulating ovulation and enhancing sperm production.
5. The hormone is produced primarily by trophoblast cells of the placenta, emphasizing its importance in early pregnancy maintenance.

Review Questions

• How does human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) contribute to the maintenance of pregnancy during its early stages?
  • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is vital for maintaining pregnancy as it signals the ovaries to continue producing progesterone, which is necessary for sustaining the uterine lining. By preventing the breakdown of the corpus luteum, hCG ensures that progesterone levels remain elevated, creating a supportive environment for the developing embryo. This hormonal support is crucial during the early stages when the placenta is still forming.
• Discuss the significance of measuring hCG levels in clinical settings, particularly in relation to pregnancy tests and monitoring potential complications.
  • Measuring hCG levels is significant in clinical settings because it serves as a key indicator of pregnancy. Home pregnancy tests detect hCG in urine, allowing for early confirmation of pregnancy. Additionally, monitoring hCG levels can help identify potential complications, such as ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages. Abnormal hCG levels may lead healthcare providers to conduct further evaluations to ensure maternal and fetal health.
• Evaluate the dual role of hCG in both maintaining pregnancy and its therapeutic applications in fertility treatments.
  • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) plays a dual role by not only maintaining pregnancy through its effects on progesterone production but also serving therapeutic purposes in fertility treatments. In assisted reproductive technologies, hCG is administered to trigger ovulation and support ovarian function, enhancing chances of conception. This multifaceted role highlights hCG's importance in both natural reproductive processes and medical interventions aimed at overcoming infertility challenges.

Related terms

Progesterone: A hormone produced by the ovaries that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and helps maintain the uterine lining.

Placenta: An organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, providing nutrients and oxygen to the growing fetus and removing waste products.

Implantation: The process by which a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine lining, allowing for further development into an embryo.