Embryology: trophoblast: practice question

A Anatomy question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anatomy · Embryology: trophoblast

Sample item

A urine pregnancy test detects human chorionic gonadotrophin. Which tissue secretes this hormone from the time of implantation?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Syncytiotrophoblast

The syncytiotrophoblast secretes hCG, which maintains the corpus luteum and its progesterone production until the placenta takes over. The cytotrophoblast is the proliferating stem layer beneath it.

Option by option

  • A. Decidual cells

    Decidual cells are endometrial stromal cells that secrete prolactin and other local factors.

  • B. Cytotrophoblast

    The cytotrophoblast is a mononuclear stem cell layer that fuses to form syncytium.

  • C. Inner cell mass

    The inner cell mass forms the embryo proper.

  • D. Syncytiotrophoblast (correct)

    Correct. The syncytiotrophoblast is the source of hCG.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is D, Syncytiotrophoblast. The syncytiotrophoblast secretes hCG, which maintains the corpus luteum and its progesterone production until the placenta takes over.

Why is "Decidual cells" not the answer?

Decidual cells are endometrial stromal cells that secrete prolactin and other local factors.

Why is "Cytotrophoblast" not the answer?

The cytotrophoblast is a mononuclear stem cell layer that fuses to form syncytium.

Why is "Inner cell mass" not the answer?

The inner cell mass forms the embryo proper.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Embryology: trophoblast in Anatomy. The cytotrophoblast is the proliferating stem layer beneath it.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Embryology: trophoblast?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.