A small tissue mass in the ovary that develops from a ruptured egg follicle after ovulation. The corpus luteum secretes the female sex hormone progesterone, which causes the lining of the uterus to thicken in preparation for implantation of a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum shrinks and dies.
The mass of cells formed in the ruptured Graa?an follicle in the ovary (see OVARIES) from which the ovum is discharged about 15 days before the onset of the next menstrual period (see MENSTRUATION). When the ovum escapes, the follicle ?lls up with blood; this is soon replaced by cells which contain a yellow fatty material. The follicle and its luteal cells constitute the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum begins to disappear after ten days, unless the discharged ovum is fertilised and pregnancy ensues. In pregnancy the corpus luteum persists and grows and secretes the hormone, PROGESTERONE.
A temporary endocrine gland formed at ovulation from part of the former egg follicle, and the source of progesterone. See PROGESTERONE, ESTROGEN, MENOPAUSE
the glandular tissue in the ovary that forms at the site of a ruptured *Graafian follicle after ovulation. It secretes the hormone *progesterone, which prepares the uterus for implantation. If implantation fails the corpus luteum becomes inactive and degenerates. If an embryo becomes implanted the corpus luteum continues to secrete progesterone until the fourth month of pregnancy, by which time the placenta has taken over this function.
either of a pair of cylindrical blood sinuses that form the erectile tissue of the *penis and clitoris. In the penis a third sinus, the corpus spongiosum, encloses the urethra and extends into the glans. All these sinuses have a spongelike structure that allows them to expand when filled with blood.... corpus cavernosum
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