corpus luteum
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corpus lu·te·um

noun \-ˈlü-tē-əm\
plural corpora lu·tea \-tē-ə\

Definition of CORPUS LUTEUM

: a yellowish mass of progesterone-secreting endocrine tissue that forms immediately after ovulation from the ruptured graafian follicle in the mammalian ovary

Origin of CORPUS LUTEUM

New Latin, literally, yellowish body
First Known Use: 1788

corpus lu·te·um

noun \-ˈlüt-ē-əm, -lü-ˈtē-əm\   (Medical Dictionary)
plural ; corpora lu·tea \-ə\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of CORPUS LUTEUM

: a yellowish mass of progesterone-secreting endocrine tissue that consists of pale secretory cells derived from granulosa cells, that forms immediately after ovulation from the ruptured graafian follicle in the mammalian ovary, and that regresses rather quickly if the ovum is not fertilized but persists throughout the ensuing pregnancy if it is fertilized

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