Q. What is the endocrine function of the placenta?
The placenta besides being the organ through which the exchange of substances between the fetus and the mother is done also has the function of secreting progesterone and estrogen to keep a high level of these hormones during pregnancy. The placenta still secretes other hormones like human placental lactogen that act similarly to the hypophyseal hormones that regulate reproduction, and HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).