Question

During pregnancy degeneration of corpus luteum is prevented by the …………. hormone.
(a) hCG
(b) HPL
(c) LH
(d) Relaxin

Answer 1

Hint: Corpus luteum is a structure that is formed by the remains of the Graafian follicle after ovulation. It is responsible for the production and secretion of the ovarian hormone progesterone. This hormone is responsible for not letting the endometrial lining of the uterus to break.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
HCG human chorionic gonadotropin is released from the placental tissue during pregnancy in a woman. The main function of this hormone is to prevent the corpus luteum from degenerating so that progesterone production will be continued for the maintenance of the uterus lining. This will allow the placenta to be intact which is essential for the growth of the fetus.
So, the correct option is ‘HCG’.

Additional information:
Let us discuss the other hormones mentioned in the options.
- HPL: Human placental lactogen is a hormone released from the placenta which causes insulin resistance in the body of the mother. This insulin resistance allows blood sugar levels in the mother’s blood to be high thus allowing the growing fetus to receive more sugar.
- LH: Luteinizing hormone is a hormone released from the anterior pituitary and is responsible for the release of the ovum (ovulation) in females.
- Relaxin: Relaxin is released from the ovary and placenta and as the name suggests causes relaxation of the muscles, joints, and ligaments of the pelvic girdle. It also loosens and softens the cervix to facilitate childbirth.

Note: The placenta is known as the structural and functional unit between the developing embryo (fetus) and the maternal body. The placenta is formed by the fusion of chorionic villi (finger- like projections) of the trophoblast with the uterine tissue. The main function of the placenta includes supplying oxygen and nutrients to the embryo and removing carbon dioxide and excretory materials made by the embryo.