Corpus luteum
Corpus luteum | |
---|---|
Details | |
System | Reproductive system |
Location | Ovary |
Identifiers | |
Latin | corpus luteum |
MeSH | D003338 |
TA98 | A09.1.01.015 |
TA2 | 3484 |
FMA | 18619 |
Anatomical terms of microanatomy |
The corpus luteum (
The corpus luteum is colored as a result of concentrating carotenoids (including lutein) from the diet and secretes a moderate amount of estrogen that inhibits further release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and thus secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). A new corpus luteum develops with each menstrual cycle.
Development and structure
The corpus luteum develops from an
The corpus luteum is typically very large relative to the size of the ovary; in humans, the size of the structure ranges from under 2 cm to 5 cm in diameter.[4]
Its cells develop from the follicular cells surrounding the ovarian follicle.
The development of the corpus luteum is accompanied by an increase in the level of the steroidogenic enzyme
The mitochondrial P450 system electron transport chain including
Follicular structure | Luteal structure | Secretion |
Theca cells | Theca lutein cells | androgens,[10] progesterone[10] |
Granulosa cells | Granulosa lutein cells | progesterone, |
Like the previous theca cells, the theca lutein cells lack the
Function
The corpus luteum is essential for establishing and maintaining pregnancy in females. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which is a steroid hormone responsible for the decidualization of the endometrium (its development) and maintenance, respectively. It also produces relaxin, a hormone responsible for softening of the pubic symphysis which helps in parturition.[13]
Unsuccessful fertilisation
If the egg is not fertilised, the corpus luteum stops secreting progesterone and decays (after approximately 10 days in humans). It then degenerates into a corpus albicans, which is a mass of fibrous scar tissue.[14]
With cessation of progesterone release, the uterine lining (functional, inner layer of the endometrium) is expelled through the vagina (in mammals that go through a menstrual cycle). Across an estrous cycle, the functional layer regenerates to provide nourishing tissue for potential fertilisation and implantation.[15][16]
Successful fertilisation
If the egg is fertilised and
Human chorionic gonadotropin signals the corpus luteum to continue progesterone secretion, thereby maintaining the thick lining (endometrium) of the uterus and providing an area rich in blood vessels in which the zygote(s) can develop. From this point on, the corpus luteum is called the corpus luteum graviditatis.[17]
The introduction of prostaglandins at this point causes the degeneration of the corpus luteum and the abortion of the fetus. However, in placental animals such as humans, the placenta eventually takes over progesterone production and the corpus luteum degrades into a corpus albicans without embryo/fetus loss.[citation needed]
Content of carotenoids
The yellow color and name of the corpus luteum, like that of the
In animals
Similar structures and functions of the corpus luteum exist in some reptiles.[19] Dairy cattle also follow a similar cycle.[20]
Additional images
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Order of changes in ovary
-
Human ovary with fully developed corpus luteum
-
Luteinized follicular cyst. H&E stain.
Pathology
- Corpus luteum cyst: hemorrhage into persistent corpus luteum. Commonly regresses spontaneously.
See also
References
- ^ "Histology Laboratory Manual". www.columbia.edu. Archived from the original on 6 May 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
- ISBN 978-0-07-096052-7.
- ^ Karch 2017, p. 657.
- ^ Vegetti W, Alagna F (2006). "FSH and follucogenesis: from physiology to ovarian stimulation". Reproductive biomedicine Online. Archived from the original on 2011-07-15. Retrieved 2009-05-26.
- ^ a b c d e Boron 2005, p. 1300.
- PMID 11882010.
- ^ PMID 9545562.
- PMID 8396893.
- PMID 7893157.
- ^ a b c The IUPS Physiome Project --> Female Reproductive System – Cells Archived 2009-12-10 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on Nov 9, 2009
- ISSN 2002-4436.
- ISBN 9780321887603.
- PMID 33511175.
- PMID 31424854, retrieved 2023-11-16
- PMID 32707266.
- PMID 32348708.
- PMID 30969526, retrieved 2023-11-16
- ^ Brian Davis. Carotenoid metabolism as a preparation for function. Pure and Applied Chemistry, Vol. 63, No. 1, pp. 131–140, 1991. available online. Archived 2011-07-26 at the Wayback Machine Accessed April 30, 2010.
- JSTOR 1563350.
- )
Bibliography
- Karch, Amy (2017). Focus on nursing pharmacology. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. ISBN 9781496318213.
- Boron, Walter (2005). Medical physiology : a cellular and molecular approach. Philadelphia, Penns: Elsevier Saunders. ISBN 1-4160-2328-3.
External links
- Histology image: 18201loa – Histology Learning System at Boston University
- Anatomy photo:43:05-0106 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center – "The Female Pelvis: The Ovary"
- CT of the abdomen showing a ruptured hemorrhagic copus luteal cyst