What happens to the corpus luteum by the time of parturition?
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Solution
Corpus luteum:
Under the influence of a hormone of the anterior pituitary gland called luteinizing hormone (LH), the Graafian follicle (a fully mature fluid-filled cavity inside the ovary that contains an egg/ovum) ruptures and releases the egg/ovum. This process is known as ovulation.
After ovulation, a structure called corpus luteum is formed from the remnants of the Graafian follicle.
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.
Fertilization results in the formation of a zygote which transforms into a blastocyst later on. This blastocyst gets implanted in the wall of the uterus.
The blastocyst cells produce hormones, which are responsible for the maintenance of the corpus luteum.
The presence of corpus luteum is essential for the first two months of pregnancy after which the placenta takes over its functions.
At the time of parturition, corpus luteum regresses and turns into a scar.
