Question

Placenta is a temporary endocrine gland. Explain.

Answer 1

1. The placenta is a structural and functional link between the foetal and maternal circulations.
2. The placenta is the only organ composed of tissues from two distinct persons, the mother and foetus.
3. The placenta secretes hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), and human placental progesterone during pregnancy.
4. These hormones regulate uterine muscle contraction and maintain the thickness of the uterine endometrium, assisting in the maintenance of pregnancy.