Question

Which of the following hormones is not a secretion product of human placenta?
A) Prolactin
B) Human chorionic gonadotropin
C) Progesterone
D) Estrogen

Answer 1

In the human body, hormones are secreted by various endocrine glands. Endocrine glands are ductless glands that pour their secretions directly into the bloodstream. During pregnancy, placenta acts as an endocrine gland and secretes hormones that help in regulating various processes related to gestation.

Complete answer:
Option A Prolactin: Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. This hormone helps in the development of breasts and production of milk in a pregnant woman. This hormone is secreted in the form of human placental lactogen (hPL) by the placenta during pregnancy.
Option A is not correct.
Option B Human chorionic gonadotropin: HCG is a hormone that can be detected in pregnancy tests. Trophoblast cells secrete the hormone HCG. These cells surround the developing embryo. This hormone is not produced by the placenta.
So, option B is correct.
Option C Progesterone: Progesterone is also known as the pregnancy hormone. This hormone is secreted by the placenta to help the uterus expand for carrying the growing embryo and also to prevent the uterus from contracting and stops premature birth.
Option C is not correct.
Option D Estrogen: Estrogen is also one of the important hormones produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Estrogen is first secreted by the ovaries in females. During pregnancy, it is secreted by the placenta.
Option D is not correct.

Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Note:
Hormones play an important role in maintaining pregnancy. HCG is the only hormone among the options that is not secreted by the placenta. Progesterone and Estrogen are produced by the ovaries in females, but during pregnancy the placenta takes up this role. Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland.