Corpus Luteum

Once ovulation occurs, much of the mature follicle remains behind in the ovary. It is damaged by ovulation, but the same hormone that caused ovulation will stimulate the former mature follicle to heal and grow even more. Once repaired, the former mature follicle is known as the corpus luteum.

The corpus luteum is a large ovarian structure that functions to secrete hormones that prepare the inner lining of the uterus for implantation.