Final answer:
After fertilization, the hormone D.human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by the outer layer of the blastocyst, which preserves the corpus luteum allowing it to continue the secretion of progesterone to maintain pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is educating a couple concerning the fertilization process and which component stimulates the release of estrogen and progesterone after fertilization. The correct answer is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Following the successful fertilization of an egg, the outer layer of the blastocyst (which will eventually form into a placenta) starts producing hCG. This hormone is structurally very similar to LH and functions to preserve the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is responsible for secreting progesterone, which is necessary to maintain the endometrium of the uterus during the early stages of pregnancy. This essentially ensures that the endometrial lining stays thickened, providing a nurturing environment for the developing embryo.
The hormone that stimulates the release of estrogen and progesterone after fertilization is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). After fertilization, the developing embryo secretes hCG, which helps to maintain the corpus luteum in the ovary. The corpus luteum then continues to produce estrogen and progesterone, which are important for maintaining the pregnancy.