QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
While hCG plays a role in promoting the growth and development of the foetus by promoting the development of the placenta, this is not the primary purpose of hCG in early pregnancy.
10007237
b
Promote development of the foetus
QuestionChoice
While hCG may play a role in suppressing the maternal immune response against the foetus, the primary purpose of hCG in early pregnancy is to maintain the production of oestrogen and progesterone by stimulating the corpus luteum.
10007239
d
Suppress the maternal immune response against the foetus
QuestionChoice
hCG is a hormone that is produced by the developing placenta after implantation of the embryo. In early pregnancy, hCG acts on the corpus luteum in the ovary to maintain the production of oestrogen and progesterone. The corpus luteum is a temporary structure that forms from the follicle after ovulation and produces oestrogen and progesterone to support the early stages of pregnancy.
10007236
a
Maintain the corpus luteum
QuestionChoice
While hCG indirectly stimulates the production of oestrogen and progesterone by maintaining the function of the corpus luteum, it does not directly stimulate oestrogen production.
10007240
e
Stimulate oestrogen production
QuestionChoice
Oxytocin is a hormone that is produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland in response to stimulation of the nipples or cervix during labor. While hCG plays a role in promoting labor by stimulating the production of estrogen and progesterone, it does not directly stimulate the production of oxytocin.
10007238
c
Stimulate the production of oxytocin
Concept
Chapter
2693
4581
Maternal Physiology
Topic
175
Reproductive Physiology
13994
A 28-year-old female presents to GP with amenorrhoea. A urine pregnancy test is positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Which of the following describes the primary role of hCG in early pregnancy?
a