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corpus luteum

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noun corpus lu·te·um \ -ˈlü-tē-əm \

Definition of corpus luteum

plural corpora lutea play \-ˈlü-tē-ə\
:a yellowish mass of progesterone-secreting endocrine tissue that forms immediately after ovulation from the ruptured graafian follicle in the mammalian ovary

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Origin and Etymology of corpus luteum

New Latin, literally, yellowish body

Medical Dictionary

corpus luteum

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noun corpus lu·te·um \ -ˈlüt-ē-əm, -lü-ˈtē-əm \

medical Definition of corpus luteum

plural corpora lutea play \-ə\
: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

Learn More about corpus luteum

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about corpus luteum

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