This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Gynaecology & Obstetrics
hCG is secreted by: September 2010 
Select and explain. 
A. Cytotrophoblast, B. Chorionic villi, C. Syncytiotrophoblast, D. None of the above
C: Syncytiotrophoblast
Answer: C: Syncytiotrophoblast 
Explanation: Ans. C: Syncytiotrophoblast Human chorionic gonadotropin or human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone produced in pregnancy that is made by the developing embryo after conception and later by the syncytiotrophoblast (pa of the placenta). Its role is to prevent the disintegration of the corpus luteum of the ovary and thereby maintain progesterone production that is critical for a pregnancy in humans. Early pregnancy testing, in general, is based on the detection or measurement of hCG. Because hCG is produced also by some kinds of tumor, hCG is an impoant tumor marker especially (with clinical significance) in Gestational trophoblastic disease.