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corpus luteum Definition

corpus lu·te·um (lo̵̅o̅t′ē əm)

noun pl. corpora lu′·tea-ə

  1. Anat. a mass of yellow tissue formed in the ovary by a ruptured graafian follicle that has discharged its ovum: if the ovum is fertilized, this tissue secretes the hormone progesterone, needed to maintain pregnancy
  2. a preparation containing this hormone, used in ovarian therapy; progesterone

Etymology: ModL, lit., luteous body

corpus luteum Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • call: When the egg is released ( at ovulation ) the follicle turns into a small structure called a corpus luteum.
  • maintain: LH acts on the ovarian follicle and it induces ovulation and maintains the corpus luteum.

Modifies a noun

  • cyst: Although both a corpus luteum cyst and a haemorrhagic cyst can cause pain, most will resolve spontaneously with no treatment.
  • formation: At mid-cycle, high levels of LH trigger corpus luteum formation and ovulation.