Question

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a a. hormone. b. basis of pregnancy test. c. cause of ectopic pregnancy. d. Both a and b are correct.

Short answer

The short answer is "d. Both a and b are correct" because human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone and also the basis of pregnancy tests.

Step-by-step solution

Option A:

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is indeed a hormone that is produced by the cells surrounding a developing embryo. It is essential for maintaining pregnancy in the early stages.

Option B:

Human chorionic gonadotropin is the basis of pregnancy tests as this hormone appears in the urine and blood shortly after the embryo attaches to the uterine lining. A pregnancy test detects the presence of hCG, confirming pregnancy.

Option C:

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancy is not caused by hCG. Instead, it is a complication that arises from several factors, such as inflammation or scarring in the fallopian tubes, hormonal imbalances, or abnormal development of the fertilized egg.

Option D:

This option states that both options A and B are correct. Since we have established that human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone and the basis of pregnancy tests, this option would be the correct choice. Hence, the correct answer is "d. Both a and b are correct."