Changes

== The Corpus Luteum ==

== The Corpus Luteum ==

* When the dominant antral [[The Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicle]] ovulates, slight localised haemorrhage occurs at the site of ovulation and fills the former cavity.

* When the dominant antral [[The Ovary_-_Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicle]] ovulates, slight localised haemorrhage occurs at the site of ovulation and fills the former cavity.

* The small amount of bloody tissue can be observed by the naked eye.

* The small amount of bloody tissue can be observed by the naked eye.

* Loss of fluid from the antral cavity causes the follicle to collapse into many folds.

* Loss of fluid from the antral cavity causes the follicle to collapse into many folds.

* As a result, some granulosal and thecal layers are pushed into the apex of the ruptured [[The Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicle]].

* As a result, some granulosal and thecal layers are pushed into the apex of the ruptured [[The Ovary_-_Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicle]].

* This protrusion of tissue and ruptured blood vessels forms a structure known as the '''[[Corpus Haemorrhagicum - Anatomy & Physiology|Corpus Haemorrhagicum]]'''.  

* This protrusion of tissue and ruptured blood vessels forms a structure known as the '''[[Corpus Haemorrhagicum - Anatomy & Physiology|Corpus Haemorrhagicum]]'''.  

* Following this, the theca interna and granulosa cells differentiate into large and small luteal cells.  

* Following this, the theca interna and granulosa cells differentiate into large and small luteal cells.  

* Cyclic corpora lutea undergo proliferation and vascularisation directly after ovulation.

* Cyclic corpora lutea undergo proliferation and vascularisation directly after ovulation.

* The corpora lutea then regress and degenerate into a connective tissue scar, the '''Corpus Albicans'''.

* The corpora lutea then regress and degenerate into a connective tissue scar, the '''Corpus Albicans'''.

* If the ovum is [[Reproductive_System_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Fertilisation.2C_Implantation_and_Early_Embryonic_Development|fertilised]], the corpus luteum remains fully developed and active throughout at least part of the pregnancy.

* If the ovum is [[Reproductive_System_- Anatomy & Physiology#Fertilisation.2C_Implantation_and_Early_Embryonic_Development|fertilised]], the corpus luteum remains fully developed and active throughout at least part of the pregnancy.

* Corpora lutea produce progesterone.

* Corpora lutea produce progesterone.

* Progesterone prepares and maintains the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|uterus]] for implantation of the [[Reproductive_System_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Fertilisation.2C_Implantation_and_Early_Embryonic_Development|fertilised]] ovum.

* Progesterone prepares and maintains the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_- Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]] for implantation of the [[Reproductive_System_- Anatomy & Physiology#Fertilisation.2C_Implantation_and_Early_Embryonic_Development|fertilised]] ovum.

* The number of corpora lutea formed are directly related to the number of oocytes released.

* The number of corpora lutea formed are directly related to the number of oocytes released.