Question

Placenta acts as an endocrine gland. Explain.

Answer 1

The placenta secretes hormones, including hCG, hPL, oestrogens, progesterone and relaxin. hCG maintains the corpus luteum in early pregnancy; progesterone and oestrogens help maintain pregnancy; hPL supports maternal metabolic changes; and relaxin helps prepare the pelvis and cervix for childbirth.