Q. What is the endocrine function of the placenta?
The placenta is not a permanent gland of the endocrine system other than this it also has endocrinal function. The placenta produces progesterone and estrogen. It also secretes human placental lactogen, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG, that acts similarly to the hypophyseal LH) similar to stimulant and prolactin of the mammary glands and a series of hormonal peptides similar to the hormones of the hypothalamus-hypophysis axis.