corpus luteum

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Word: Corpus Luteum

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: The corpus luteum (which means "yellow body" in Latin) is a small, yellow structure that forms in a woman's ovary after an egg (ovum) is released during ovulation. If a woman becomes pregnant, this structure helps support the pregnancy by producing hormones. If there is no pregnancy, the corpus luteum breaks down after a few days.

Usage Instructions:

• The term "corpus luteum" is primarily used in medical and biological contexts, especially related to female reproductive health.
• It is not a term you would use in everyday conversation unless discussing health, biology, or related topics.

Example Sentence:

• "After ovulation, the corpus luteum forms to help maintain hormone levels that support a potential pregnancy."

Advanced Usage:

• In scientific discussions, you might hear about the role of the corpus luteum in hormone regulation, such as its production of progesterone, which is crucial for preparing the uterine lining for a fertilized egg.

Word Variants:

• Corpus Lutea (plural): Refers to multiple corpus luteum structures.
• Corpus Albicans: This is the term for the scar tissue that forms when the corpus luteum degenerates if pregnancy does not occur.

Different Meanings:

• In a strictly biological context, "corpus luteum" refers only to the specific structure in the ovary. There are no alternative meanings outside of this context.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for "corpus luteum," but it can be described in more general terms as "ovarian structure" or "hormone-producing tissue" in broader discussions.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs associated with "corpus luteum" since it is a technical term.

Summary:

The corpus luteum is an important part of the female reproductive system, playing a crucial role in hormone production after ovulation.

Academic

Noun

1. yellow endocrine tissue that forms in a ruptured Graafian follicle following the release of an ovum; it degenerates after a few days unless pregnancy has begun