Which of the following hormones is not produced by placenta?

BCCL kharkhanda Staff Nurse - 2015

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: BCCL kharkhanda Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

Testosterone is an androgen (male sex hormone) that is not synthesized by the placenta.
It is primarily produced by the Leydig cells in the testes of males and in smaller quantities by the ovaries in females and the adrenal glands.
During pregnancy with a male fetus, the placenta produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which stimulates the fetal testes to produce testosterone, a critical step for male sexual differentiation.
The placenta's role is to signal for testosterone production elsewhere, not to produce it directly.

Option B: Estrogen (specifically estradiol and estriol) is a major steroid hormone produced by the placenta throughout pregnancy.
Option C: Progesterone is another crucial steroid hormone synthesized in large quantities by the placenta to maintain the pregnancy.
Option D: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a key glycoprotein hormone produced by the placental syncytiotrophoblast, especially in early pregnancy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain This question tests knowledge of the endocrine functions of the placenta, specifically which hormones it produces as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the placenta's endocrine function is fundamental for a nurse. For instance, measuring hCG levels is the basis for pregnancy tests and for monitoring the health of an early pregnancy.
Abnormal levels of placental hormones can indicate complications. Very high hCG levels may suggest a molar pregnancy, while low levels can indicate a failing or ectopic pregnancy.
The massive production of estrogen and progesterone by the placenta is responsible for many physiological changes in the mother and is essential for a successful pregnancy outcome. Insufficiency can lead to miscarriage.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword 'NOT' in the question stem. This indicates you are looking for the option that is an exception.
Recall the primary hormones produced by the placenta. The most well-known are hCG, progesterone, estrogen, and human placental lactogen (hPL).
Evaluate each option against your knowledge of placental hormones.
Option A: Testosterone. This is the primary male sex hormone. While related to pregnancy, it's mainly produced by the testes.
Option B: Estrogen. This is a key placental hormone.
Option C: Progesterone. This is another key placental hormone.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: This question tests knowledge of the endocrine functions of the placenta, specifically which hormones it produces.
Stem keywords: hormones, placenta, produced
Lead-in keywords: not
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the hormone that is NOT produced by the placenta, requiring the identification of the exception among the options.

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