The Conversion of the Corpus Luteum to the Corpus Albicans

Question

The conversion of the corpus luteum to the corpus albicans
A) is characteristic of the nonpregnant state.
B) is due to the secretion of hCG.
C) prevents ovulation in the next menstrual cycle.
D) occurs only in twinning.

Accepted Answer

The conversion of the corpus luteum, which is formed after a follicle ruptures and releases an egg, to the corpus albicans is a normal process that occurs in the nonpregnant state. The corpus albicans is a small, white, scar-like structure that replaces the corpus luteum, which functions in producing progesterone to support a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates and becomes the corpus albicans. The secretion of hCG (choice B) is necessary to maintain the corpus luteum and prevent it from degenerating in early pregnancy, but it is not a factor in the conversion to the corpus albicans. Similarly, the conversion to the corpus albicans has no effect on ovulation in the next menstrual cycle (choice C) since the corpus luteum only functions in one cycle. Finally, the conversion process occurs regardless of twinning (choice D), since it is a normal part of the menstrual cycle.