In: Anatomy and Physiology
What is the corpus leteum? What happens to it if fertilization occurs? And what happens If fertilization does not occur?
The Corpus luteum is the yellow pigmented body present in the ovary. It is formed from the matured secondary follicle or graffian follicle. The yellow color is due to the presence of granulosa lutein cells. It acts as a temporary endocrine gland and it secretes large quantity of progesterone and the small quantity of estrogen.
If the fertilization occurs pregnancy develops and the corpus luteum persists and increases the thickness and size. It may increase to 20 to 30 mm. It is converted into corpus luteum of pregnancy or corpus luteum graviditatis. It is present in ovary up to 3 to 4 months and secretes progesterone and estrogen. After 4 months, the placenta secretes progesterone and estrogen and corpus luteum degenerates.
If the fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum after one week of ovulation get the maximum size and in this one week period, secretes a large amount of progesterone and a small amount of estrogen. The corpus luteum degenerates into the corpus luteum menstrualis or spurium. The corpus luteum menstrualis transformed into corpus albicans. This process is called luteolysis.