Identify the correct combination of hormones released by placenta only during pregnancy.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → hCG, hPL and progestogens
During pregnancy the placenta works as a temporary endocrine gland.
(1) Estrogen, progesterone and LH — Incorrect. LH (luteinising hormone) is made by the anterior pituitary, not by the placenta.
(2) hCG, estrogen and LH — Incorrect. Here too, LH is not a placental hormone.
(3) hCG, hPL and progestogens — Correct. All three are released by the placenta during pregnancy.
(4) Estrogen, testosterone and hPL — Incorrect. Testosterone is a male sex hormone. The placenta does not release it.
NCERT Extract:
Pregnancy and Embryonic Development – “… Placenta also acts as an endocrine tissue and produces several hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), estrogens, progestogens, etc. In the later phase of pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin is also secreted by the ovary. Let us remember that hCG, hPL and relaxin are produced in women only during pregnancy.”