Lesson 1
Leftover cells with a new job
When an egg cell leaves the ovary, the follicle it came from is left behind.
The helper cells in that follicle grow bigger and change into luteal cells. Together they make a small lump called the corpus luteum.
Luteal cells are big and plump, and full of little drops of fat.
Wow!Corpus luteum is Latin for "yellow body." It got that name because it looks yellowish!
Lesson 2
Keeping the womb ready
Luteal cells make a hormone called progesterone. It tells the lining of the womb to stay thick and soft, ready in case a baby starts to grow.
- If no baby starts, the corpus luteum shrinks away after about two weeks.
- If a baby does start, it keeps making progesterone for the first few months, until the placenta takes over.
Try thisPress Send progesterone on the 3D model and watch the hormone head into the blood.