What does hCG stand for in medical terminology?

hCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin, which is a hormone produced during pregnancy. It is secreted by the placenta shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. The main role of hCG is to maintain the corpus luteum during early pregnancy, which in turn supports the production of progesterone to keep the pregnancy viable.

This hormone is also the basis for many pregnancy tests, as its levels can be detected in urine or blood, confirming pregnancy. Understanding hCG is crucial in various medical fields, particularly in obstetrics and reproductive medicine, as it provides important information regarding the health and progress of the pregnancy. Additionally, raised levels of hCG can be indicative of certain medical conditions or tumors, thereby illustrating its diagnostic significance.