Why is hCG secretion important during the first trimester

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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Why is hCG secretion important during the first trimester

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Introduction

A member of the glycoprotein hormone family, the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) is a secretion of placental syncytiotrophoblast cells. It is produced during the pregnancy and is commonly found in the urine and blood of the pregnant women throughout the pregnancy. 

Explanation

hCG functions to ensure the production of the pregnancy hormone called the progesterone from the corpus leuteum. Progesterone functions to maintain the endometrial lining to which the embryo is implanted in the uterus, thus sustaining the pregnancy. hCG also regulates the relaxin hormone's secretion, which helps in ligaments relaxation and cervix widening from the corpus leuteum.  Therefore, the secretion of hCG is important during the first trimester. 

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