What hormone is referred to as HCG?

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, commonly referred to as HCG, is a hormone produced primarily during pregnancy. It is synthesized by the placenta shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. HCG plays a critical role in maintaining pregnancy, particularly in the early stages, by supporting the corpus luteum, which in turn produces progesterone to help sustain the uterine lining.

In addition to its fundamental role in pregnancy, HCG is also used in various medical applications, such as fertility treatments and certain tests for pregnancy, as it is detectable in the blood and urine soon after conception. Its presence is an important marker for indicating that a pregnancy has occurred. The other terms in the choices do not relate to this hormone and its functions, highlighting the significance of recognizing HCG as Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in both clinical and biological contexts.