human chorionic gonadotropin

(noun)

a peptide hormone, produced during pregnancy, that prevents the breakdown of the corpus luteum and maintains progesterone production

Related Terms

Examples of human chorionic gonadotropin in the following topics:

  • Human Gestation

    • Another layer of the blastocyst, the chorion, begins releasing a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which makes its way to the corpus luteum, keeping it active.
    • In humans, fertilization occurs soon after the oocyte leaves the ovary.
    • Describe the development of the human fetus from fertilization through the third trimester