Question

What happens to the corpus luteum in the absence of fertilization?

Answer 1

Graafian follicle:

1. The Graafian follicle is a fully mature fluid-filled cavity inside the ovary that contains an egg/ovum.
2. Under the influence of a hormone of the anterior pituitary gland called luteinizing hormone (LH), the Graafian follicle ruptures and releases the egg/ovum.
3. This process is known as ovulation.
4. A structure called corpus luteum is formed after ovulation from the remnants of the Graafian follicle.
5. The corpus luteum is responsible for the secretion of a steroid hormone called progesterone.
6. If the egg/ovum is fertilized by a sperm, this hormone is responsible for the maintenance of pregnancy.
7. If there is no fertilization, the corpus luteum simply regresses/degenerates.
8. This leads to menstruation whereby the endometrial lining sheds.