The Corpus Luteum

When the oocyte has escaped certain changes take place in the rest of the graffian follice, Which now becomes the corpus luteum. most of the space formerly occupied y the fluid becomes filled with blood clot, B.C Tufts of the membrana granulosa,

Which contain capillaries from the tunica vasculosa, C.T..., grow into the blood clot. The cells in the tufts of the membrana granulosa are tremed lutein cells, G.L.C..., Because of their colour which is yellow, and the corpus luteum gets its name.

The corpus luteum secrets a hormone called progestin, which being absorbed into the blood, completes the prepartion of the endomaterium for the implantation of the zygote  when it reaches the cavity of the uterus. This hormone also arrests ovulation during pergancy and normally prevents miscarriage in the early stages of pregancy.

If the oocyte is not fertilized within 2 weeks of its escape from the Graafian follice the corpus luteum atrophies, and becoming white, is termed the corpus albicans. If however, the oocyte is fertilized, the corpus luteum continues to grow and secrets for 12 weeks, after which it stops growing but persists until the child is born, and then it gradually atrophies.