IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Corpus luteum (gross pathology)

Case contributed by Ed Uthman
Diagnosis certain

Patient Data

Gender: Female
pathology

This normal ovary was removed in the course of a hysterectomy for uterine disease. The bright yellow corpus luteum is fully developed, as it would be in the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle following ovulation. The corpus luteum produces progesterone, which supports the endometrium's ability to accommodate the implanted conceptus. If a conceptus implants, the corpus luteum grows even bigger, to form the so-called "corpus luteum of pregnancy." If no pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum shrinks dramatically to become a corpus albicans. This ovary also sports several corpora albicantia from previous months' cycles, one of which is marked.

Case Discussion

Photo credit: Ed Uthman

Original file (Flickr): here

License: Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.