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Corpus Luteum - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 18:51, 1 December 2010
, 18:51, 1 December 2010no edit summary
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==Introduction==
Latin for "yellow body" it is the structure formed during luteinisation of the follicle after ovulation. However, the corpus luteum is actually only yellow in the cow and in all other domestic species it is red. This colouration of the corpus luteum is due to the pigment Lutein.
==Structure==
Two types of luteal cells are present within the corpus luteum:
:'''Small luteal cells''' (<20µm)
:* Formed from remodelled Follicular Theca cells. These cells proliferate during luteinisation.
:*These cells contain many lipid droplets within their cytoplasm, an important source of cholesterol esters for [[Ovaries_Endocrine_Function_- Anatomy & Physiology#Progesterone|Progesterone]] synthesis.
:'''Large luteal cells''' (20-40µm)
:*They are formed from Follicular Granulosa cells that have undergone hypertrophy.
:*These large luteal cells are the endocrine cells of the corpus luteum producing large amounts of the hormone [[Ovaries_Endocrine_Function_- Anatomy & Physiology#Progesterone|Progesterone]].
:*In some species secretory granules containing oxytocin or relaxin may be found close to the cell membrane.
The corpus luteum may contain a small cavity at its centre, a remnant of the follicular antrum, but many do not.
Corpora Lutea are well vascularised. This is important for supply of substrates to steriodogenic luteal cells aswell as removal of steriod products.
==Function==
The Corpus Luteum is an endocrine structure. The luteal cells are steroidogeneic producing hormones of the luteal phase of the oestrus cycle; Progesterone, oxytocin and relaxin.
== The Corpus Luteum ==
== The Corpus Luteum ==
[[Category:Female Reproduction]]
[[Category:Female Reproduction]][[Category:To Do - A&P]]