Which of the following structure release progesterone hormone during pregnancy ?

Options

A. Placenta
B. Ovary
C. Pituitary gland
D. Both (1) & (2)

Answer

To determine which structure releases progesterone hormone during pregnancy, we can analyze the given options step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structures:**
- The question asks about structures that release progesterone during pregnancy. The options provided are:
- Option 1: Placenta
- Option 2: Ovary
- Option 3: Pituitary gland
- Option 4: Both first and second

2. **Evaluate the Placenta:**
- The placenta is a temporary endocrine gland that forms during pregnancy. It plays a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy and is responsible for the production of several hormones, including progesterone.
- **Conclusion:** The placenta releases progesterone during pregnancy.

3. **Evaluate the Ovary:**
- The ovaries are permanent endocrine glands that produce hormones, including progesterone. During pregnancy, the corpus luteum (which forms from the ovary after ovulation) continues to produce progesterone until the placenta takes over this function.
- **Conclusion:** The ovary also releases progesterone during pregnancy.

4. **Evaluate the Pituitary Gland:**
- The pituitary gland is responsible for producing several hormones that regulate various bodily functions, but it does not directly produce progesterone. Instead, it secretes hormones like LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) that influence the ovaries.
- **Conclusion:** The pituitary gland does not release progesterone during pregnancy.

5. **Final Evaluation of Options:**
- Since both the placenta and the ovary release progesterone during pregnancy, the correct answer is option 4, which states "both first and second."

### Final Answer:
The structures that release progesterone hormone during pregnancy are the **placenta and the ovary**. Therefore, the correct answer is **option 4: both first and second**.

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