Corpus Luteum vs. Corpus Albicans: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Published on November 1, 2024
The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine structure in female ovaries, while the corpus albicans is its degenerated form.
Key Differences
The corpus luteum is a temporary gland formed in the ovary after ovulation, secreting progesterone, essential for maintaining pregnancy. In contrast, the corpus albicans represents the final stage of the corpus luteum, signifying its regression after a non-fertilized ovulation cycle.
Functionally, the corpus luteum plays a crucial role in preparing the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy by secreting hormones. The corpus albicans, however, is primarily scar tissue, marking the end of the functional life of the corpus luteum.
In terms of appearance, the corpus luteum is characterized by its yellow color due to lipid accumulations, whereas the corpus albicans is white, indicating the absence of active cells and hormones.
The lifespan of the corpus luteum varies, lasting longer in the case of pregnancy; otherwise, it degenerates into the corpus albicans. The corpus albicans remains in the ovary as a scar, with no significant physiological function.
Hormonally, the corpus luteum is a critical component of the menstrual cycle, while the corpus albicans signifies the cessation of this hormonal activity, transitioning back to the menstrual cycle's follicular phase.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Produces progesterone to support pregnancy
No active function; scar tissue
Appearance
Yellowish due to lipid content
White, indicating degeneration
Lifespan
Persists longer during pregnancy; otherwise, short-lived
Remains as a permanent scar in the ovary
Hormonal Activity
Actively secretes hormones
No hormonal secretion
Role in Menstrual Cycle
Prepares uterine lining for implantation
Marks the end of a menstrual cycle without fertilization
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Corpus Luteum and Corpus Albicans Definitions
Corpus Luteum
If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates.
Without fertilization, the corpus luteum will eventually break down.
Corpus Albicans
The corpus albicans represents the end of the corpus luteum's life cycle.
After the corpus luteum ceases its function, it turns into the corpus albicans.
Corpus Luteum
The corpus luteum is essential for maintaining early pregnancy.
In early pregnancy, the health of the corpus luteum is closely monitored.
Corpus Albicans
It has no reproductive function or hormone production.
Unlike the corpus luteum, the corpus albicans doesn't produce hormones.
Corpus Luteum
It forms from a follicle after ovulation and secretes hormones.
The doctor explained how the corpus luteum's hormonal secretion is crucial for pregnancy.
Corpus Albicans
It is white scar tissue in the ovary.
Upon examination, several corpus albicans were visible, signifying previous cycles.
Corpus Luteum
It produces progesterone, preparing the uterus for a fertilized egg.
The corpus luteum's progesterone thickens the uterine lining, ready for implantation.
Corpus Albicans
The corpus albicans is a natural part of the ovarian cycle.
The presence of a corpus albicans is a normal finding in the female reproductive system.
Corpus Luteum
The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine gland in the ovary.
After ovulation, the corpus luteum forms to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Corpus Albicans
The corpus albicans is a degenerated corpus luteum.
The corpus albicans in her ovary indicated a past ovulation cycle.
FAQs
What is the corpus albicans?
The degenerated form of the corpus luteum, turning into scar tissue.
How is the corpus luteum formed?
It forms from an ovarian follicle after an egg is released.
Does the corpus albicans secrete hormones?
No, it has no hormonal activity.
Can you see the corpus luteum on an ultrasound?
Yes, it's often visible during a gynecological ultrasound.
What is the role of the corpus luteum in pregnancy?
It produces hormones, primarily progesterone, to support early pregnancy.
What causes the formation of the corpus albicans?
The regression of the corpus luteum when pregnancy does not occur.
Is the corpus albicans a sign of a problem?
No, it's a normal part of the menstrual cycle.
What is the corpus luteum?
A temporary gland in the ovary that secretes hormones after ovulation.
What happens to the corpus luteum if there's no pregnancy?
It degenerates into the corpus albicans.
What hormone does the corpus luteum primarily produce?
Progesterone.
What color is the corpus luteum?
Yellowish, due to its lipid content.
Can the corpus luteum cause pain?
Rarely, it can cause mild discomfort or pain.
How is the corpus albicans identified in the ovary?
Through its distinctive white appearance on medical imaging.
How does the corpus luteum affect the menstrual cycle?
It regulates the cycle by hormone secretion, particularly if pregnancy doesn't occur.
Is the corpus albicans always formed after the corpus luteum?
Yes, it's the end stage of the corpus luteum.
How long does the corpus luteum last?
About 14 days, unless pregnancy occurs, then it lasts longer.
What color is the corpus albicans?
White, indicating scar tissue.
Does the presence of a corpus albicans indicate infertility?
No, it's a normal finding and not related to infertility.
Does the corpus albicans have any function in the menstrual cycle?
No, it's essentially non-functional scar tissue.
Can there be multiple corpus albicans in an ovary?
Yes, each representing a past menstrual cycle.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
