How does placenta serve as an important endocrine gland?

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Solution

The Placenta is a hugely important endocrine organ, producing many hormones which affect the status of pregnancy and the maternal physiology.
Hormones of the Placenta Hormone Production and Regulation Action

Prostaglandin F2a Produced towards the end of pregnancy in increasing amounts to allow for parturition. Causes luteolysis and promotes uterine contractions.

Progesterone The Placenta takes over Progesterone production from the Corpus Luteum to maintain the pregnancy. Maintains the pregnancy by thickening the cervix, depressing the maternal immune response and preventing ovulation. It also promotes mammary growth.

Oestrogen Oestrogen levels rise throughout pregnancy as the placenta grows. Stimulate the growth of the myometrium, promote mammary development and suppress gonadotrophin release from the pituitary gland.

Placental Lactogen This is related to Prolactin and Growth hormone, and is produced by the placenta and uterus. Promotes growth and differentiation of mammary tissue. Identified in primates, ruminants and rodents.

Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) This is produced by foetal trophoblast cells, and is actually the same molecule as equine LH. Prevents luteal regression and is thus the signal for Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy in equids.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) This is produced by foetal trophoblast cells. Prevents luteal regression and is thus the signal for Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy in primates.

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Similar questions

Which of the following does not act as an endocrine gland as well as an exocrine gland ?

(a) testis

(b) ovary

(d) pancreas

Name one gland each :

(a) which acts only as an endocrine gland.

(b) which acts only as an exocrine gland.

Name the various endocrine glands and the hormones secreted by them. How does the endocrine system affect our behaviour?

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Prostaglandin F2a	Produced towards the end of pregnancy in increasing amounts to allow for parturition.	Causes luteolysis and promotes uterine contractions.
Progesterone	The Placenta takes over Progesterone production from the Corpus Luteum to maintain the pregnancy.	Maintains the pregnancy by thickening the cervix, depressing the maternal immune response and preventing ovulation. It also promotes mammary growth.
Oestrogen	Oestrogen levels rise throughout pregnancy as the placenta grows.	Stimulate the growth of the myometrium, promote mammary development and suppress gonadotrophin release from the pituitary gland.
Placental Lactogen	This is related to Prolactin and Growth hormone, and is produced by the placenta and uterus.	Promotes growth and differentiation of mammary tissue. Identified in primates, ruminants and rodents.
Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG)	This is produced by foetal trophoblast cells, and is actually the same molecule as equine LH.	Prevents luteal regression and is thus the signal for Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy in equids.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)	This is produced by foetal trophoblast cells.	Prevents luteal regression and is thus the signal for Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy in primates.