Question

Select the correct option describing hormonal activity in a normal pregnant female.

• A. High level of FSH and LH stimulates the thickening of the endometrium.
• B. High level of FSH and LH facilitates implantation of the embryo.
• C. High level of hCG maintains the corpus luteum and stimulates the synthesis of progesterone.
• D. High level of hCG stimulates the formation of graafian follicle.

Answer 1

The correct option is C High level of hCG maintains the corpus luteum and stimulates the synthesis of progesterone.

The trophoblastic cells secrete human chorionic gonadotropin hormone which has properties similar to those of lutenizing hormone (LH) of the pituitary gland. It takes over the job of pituitary LH during pregnancy. Along with the LHCG (luteninizing hormone/chorionadotropin) of the blastocyst, they both work together promoting and maintaining the corpus luteum during pregnancy. The hCG maintains the corpus luteum and stimulates it to secrete progesterone which continues during the first trimester.
Progesterone maintains the endometrium in the uterus causing it to grow through the term of pregnancy. Healthy growth of the endometrium implies that the inner lining does not break and menstruation does not take place.
The hCG does not stimulate formation of a mature graafian follicle, it is the role of FSH and LH.