Question

Which gland in the foetus secretes corticosteroids to initiate parturition?

Options

• Foetal pituitary gland

• Foetal pancreas

• Foetal thyroid gland

• Foetal adrenal gland

Answer 1

The foetal adrenal gland secretes corticosteroids as a secondary trigger alongside ACTH from the foetal pituitary gland to initiate uterine contractions. These hormonal signals from the fully developed foetus act as the initial stimuli that set the complex neuroendocrine cascade of parturition in motion.