Question

In the absence of pregnancy, corpus luteum

• A. Becomes active, secretes FSH and LH
• B. Produces lot of oxytocin and relaxin
• C. Degenerates after some time
• D. Is maintained by progesterone

Answer 1

The correct option is C Degenerates after some time

In menstrual cycle, both LH and FSH attain a peak level in the middle of cycle (about 14th day). Rapid secretion of LH leading to its maximum level during the mid-cycle, called LH surge induces rupture of graafian follicle and there by the release of ovum (ovulation). The ovulation (ovulatory phase) is followed by the luteal phase during which the remaining parts of the graafian follicle transform as the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum secretes large amounts of progesterone, which is essential for maintenance of the endometrium. Such an endometrium is necessary for implantation of the fertilised ovum and other events of pregnancy. During pregnanacy all events of the menstrual cycle stop and there is no menstruation. In the absence of fertilisation, the corpus luteum degenerates. This causes disintegration of the endometrium leading to menstruation, marking a new cycle.