Which of the following is a mass within the ovary that secretes hormones to maintain the uterine lining during pregnancy?
A.
Corpus luteum
B.
Umbilical cord
C.
Oocyte
D.
Oviduct
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Corpus luteum.
Explanation:
The corpus luteum is a structure that forms within the ovary after ovulation. Ovulation is the process where a mature egg (oocyte) is released from the ovarian follicle. After the egg is released, the remaining follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine gland.
The primary function of the corpus luteum is to secrete hormones, especially progesterone, which is crucial for maintaining the uterine lining (endometrium). This thickened uterine lining is essential for providing a nourishing environment for a fertilized egg to implant and develop into an embryo. Progesterone helps maintain the endometrium by preventing its breakdown during early pregnancy.
If fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone until the placenta takes over this role around the 10th to 12th week of pregnancy. Without sufficient progesterone, the uterine lining would shed, resulting in menstruation and the inability to sustain a pregnancy.
If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates after about 10–14 days, causing a drop in progesterone levels, which leads to the shedding of the uterine lining during menstruation.
Let’s review the other options:
- B. Umbilical cord: The umbilical cord connects the developing fetus to the placenta and is responsible for nutrient and oxygen exchange, but it does not play a role in hormone secretion.
- C. Oocyte: The oocyte is the female reproductive cell or egg, but it does not secrete hormones. It is released from the ovary during ovulation.
- D. Oviduct: Also known as the fallopian tube, the oviduct is the pathway through which the egg travels from the ovary to the uterus. It plays no role in hormone secretion.
Thus, the corpus luteum is the correct answer, as it is the ovarian mass that secretes hormones to maintain the uterine lining during pregnancy.