Corpus luteum

Corpus luteum is a temporary structure, an ovarian gland, which is the remains of a follicle after ovulation and produces female sex hormones. Unless the egg was fertilized, it gradually disappears. In the other case – if the egg was fertilized – it remains for weeks and creates the hormones necessary for sustaining pregnancy until the placenta is created. Around the 12th week of pregnancy, the placenta assumes its function.