The corpus luteum is a yellow glandular mass that is formed in the ovary from the cells of the egg follicle after the egg matures and is released.
When an egg matures inside the ovary, it is located inside an egg follicle - this follicle is made up of various cells surrounding the egg. After ovulation, when the egg leaves the follicle, an empty follicle remains in the ovary, the cells of which undergo significant changes and turn into the corpus luteum.
The corpus luteum plays an important role in a woman's reproductive cycle. It produces the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which prepare the uterus for the possible implantation of a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum gradually degenerates and disappears. If fertilization occurs and pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum remains throughout pregnancy, continuing to produce hormones.
Thus, the corpus luteum is an important structural component of the ovary, involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy.