hCG

Question 1

Source

Answer 1

syncytiotrophoblast of placenta

Question 2

Function

Answer 2

Maintains corpus luteum (thus progesterone) for the 1st trimester by acting like LH

In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, the placenta synthesizes its own estriol and progesterone and the corpus luteum degenerates.

Question 3

Pathologic state

Answer 3

Elevated in hydatidiform moles and choriocarcinoma