corpus luteum

[kawr-puhs loo-tee-uhm]

noun

plural

corpora lutea 

1. Anatomy, Zoology.,  a ductless gland developed within the ovary by the reorganization of a Graafian follicle following ovulation.

2. Pharmacology.,  an extract of this gland, usually of the hog or cow, the chief product of which is progesterone.

corpus luteum

/ ˈluːtɪəm /

noun

1. a yellow glandular mass of tissue that forms in a Graafian follicle following release of an ovum. It secretes progesterone, a hormone necessary to maintain pregnancy

corpus luteum

plural

corpora lutea 

1. A yellow mass of cells that forms from a mature ovarian follicle after ovulation and that secretes progesterone. If fertilization of the egg occurs, the corpus luteum persists for the first few months of pregnancy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of corpus luteum¹

1780–90; < New Latin: yellow body

Word History and Origins

Origin of corpus luteum¹

New Latin, literally: yellow body