Pregnancy Hormones and Physiological Changes

What is the primary function of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in pregnancy?

What is the primary source of progesterone during pregnancy?

What is the primary function of estrogen in the female reproductive system?

What is the primary source of oxytocin?

What is the function of the inner cell mass of the blastocyst?

What is the function of the trophoblast?

What is the primary function of progesterone during pregnancy?

During which stage of pregnancy does the placenta take over the production of progesterone?

Hormones in Pregnancy

Estrogen is primarily secreted and released by the developing follicles in the ovaries.
Estrogen stimulates the growth of the egg within the follicle and also stimulates the production and release of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) from the anterior pituitary gland.
Progesterone is secreted from the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation or by the placenta during pregnancy.
Progesterone prepares the uterine lining for a fertilized egg, favouring and supporting pregnancy.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is secreted from the developing embryo and later the placenta, preventing the disintegration of the corpus luteum and maintaining progesterone production.
Oxytocin is primarily secreted from the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland, stimulating uterine contractions during labour.

Embryonic & Fetal Development

Implantation

The blastocyst consists of two cell masses:
- The inner cell mass or embryoblast, which eventually forms the embryo.
- The outer cell mass or trophoblast, which forms attachment to the uterus and gives rise to the fetal placenta.

This quiz covers the anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, including the role of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.