corpus luteum

(noun)

a yellow mass of cells that forms from an ovarian follicle during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in mammals; it secretes steroid hormones

Related Terms

Examples of corpus luteum in the following topics:

  • Ovarian Cycle

    • It begins with the formation of the corpus luteum and ends in either pregnancy or luteolysis.
    • The hormones produced by the corpus luteum also suppress production of the FSH and LH that the corpus luteum needs to maintain itself.
    • With continued low levels of FSH and LH, the corpus luteum will atrophy.
    • The death of the corpus luteum results in falling levels of progesterone and estrogen.
    • The loss of the corpus luteum can be prevented by implantation of an embryo.

  • Hormonal Regulation of the Female Reproductive Cycle

    • The luteal phase begins with the formation of the corpus luteum stimulated by FSH and LH and ends in either pregnancy or luteolysis.
    • The hormones produced by the corpus luteum also suppress production of the FSH and LH, which leads to its atrophy.
    • The death of the corpus luteum results in falling levels of progesterone and estrogen, which triggers the end of the luteal phase.
    • Alternatively, the loss of the corpus luteum can be prevented by implantation of an embryo: after implantation, human embryos produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
    • Human chorionic gonadotropin is structurally similar to LH and can preserve the corpus luteum.

  • Female Hormones

    • The cells in the follicle undergo physical changes, producing a structure called a corpus luteum, which produces estrogen and progesterone.
    • The level of estrogen produced by the corpus luteum increases to a steady level for the next few days.
    • If no fertilized egg is implanted into the uterus, the corpus luteum degenerates and the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease.

  • Implantation

    • The syncytiotrophoblast also produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that "notifies" the mother's body that she is pregnant, preventing menstruation by sustaining the function of the progesterone-producing corpus luteum within the ovary.

  • Oogenesis

    • The empty follicle then forms a corpus luteum which later releases the hormone progesterone to maintain the potential pregnancy.

  • Human Gestation

    • Another layer of the blastocyst, the chorion, begins releasing a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which makes its way to the corpus luteum, keeping it active.
    • The placenta has taken over the functions of nutrition and waste, along with the production of estrogen and progesterone from the corpus luteum, which has degenerated.

  • Pineal Gland and Gonads

    • Progesterone is a female hormone secreted by the corpus luteum after ovulation during the second half of the menstrual cycle.

  • Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle

    • If implantation does not occur within approximately two weeks, the corpus luteum in the ovary that is producing progesterone will recede, causing sharp drops in levels of both progesterone and estrogen.

  • Ovaries

    • The follicle remains functional and transforms into a corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to prepare the uterus for possible embryo implantation.

  • Female Reproductive Anatomy

    • The follicle becomes a corpus luteum, which eventually degenerates.