Which structure forms after ovulation and acts as a temporary endocrine gland?

Which structure forms after ovulation and acts as a temporary endocrine gland?

• A. Corpus luteum
• B. Graafian follicle
• C. Cumulus oophorus
• D. Corpus albicans

Answer: (A)

After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum. This structure acts as a temporary endocrine gland by producing progesterone (with some estrogen) to prepare and maintain the uterine lining for possible implantation. If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum is kept active by hCG from the developing embryo; if not, it degenerates into the corpus albicans and stops hormone production. The other structures are distinct: the Graafian follicle is the mature follicle before ovulation, the cumulus oophorus are the cells around the oocyte, and the corpus albicans is the scar formed after the corpus luteum fades.

After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum. This structure acts as a temporary endocrine gland by producing progesterone (with some estrogen) to prepare and maintain the uterine lining for possible implantation. If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum is kept active by hCG from the developing embryo; if not, it degenerates into the corpus albicans and stops hormone production. The other structures are distinct: the Graafian follicle is the mature follicle before ovulation, the cumulus oophorus are the cells around the oocyte, and the corpus albicans is the scar formed after the corpus luteum fades.