corpus luteum

American  

[kawr-puhs loo-tee-uhm] / ˈkɔr pəs ˈlu ti əm /

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.

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corpus luteum British  

/ 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

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corpus luteum Scientific  

/ lo̅o̅′tē-əm /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of corpus luteum

1780–90; < New Latin: yellow body

Example Sentences

If no fertilized egg is implanted into the uterus, the corpus luteum degenerates and the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Estradiol and progesterone secreted from the corpus luteum cause the myometrium to thicken.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Because a fertilized egg is not implanted into the uterus in a non-pregnant woman, the corpus luteum degenerates, and the levels of estrogen and progesterone increase.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The corpus luteum secretes additional estrogen and the hormone progesterone that helps maintain the uterine lining during pregnancy.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

Possibly the corpus luteum, the endocrine formed of the torn egg nest in the ovary, makes up for any deficiency in this respect.

From The Glands Regulating Personality by Berman, Louis, M.D.