What happens to the corpus luteum in the absence of fertilization?
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Solution
Corpus luteum:
The Graafian follicle is the term used for a fully mature fluid-filled cavity inside the ovary during the menstrual cycle.
A mature Graafian follicle also contains an egg/ovum.
Under the influence of a hormone of the anterior pituitary gland called luteinizing hormone (LH), the Graafian follicle ruptures and releases the egg/ovum. This process is known as ovulation.
After ovulation, the remnants of the Graafian follicle are transformed into another structure called corpus luteum.
The corpus luteum is responsible for the secretion of a steroid hormone called progesterone. If the egg/ovum is fertilized by a sperm, this hormone is responsible for the maintenance of pregnancy.
If there is no fertilization, the corpus luteum simply degenerates.
