What is the Difference Between Corpus Luteum and Corpus Albicans?

The corpus luteum and corpus albicans are both structures that form in the ovaries of female mammals, but they have distinct differences:

Corpus Luteum:

• Formed after ovulation, when the ovarian follicle degenerates.
• Vital role in fertility, maintaining a uterine environment suitable for implantation of a fertilized egg.
• Releases progesterone and other hormones to regulate the uterine environment.
• Yellow in color due to the presence of carotenoids.
• Vascular structure with blood supply.

Corpus Albicans:

• Formed when the corpus luteum degenerates into fibrous scar tissue.
• Has no role in maintaining a uterine environment.
• Does not produce any hormones.
• White in color due to its fibrous nature.
• Avascular and has no blood supply.

In summary, the corpus luteum is a hormone-secreting, vascular structure that plays a crucial role in fertility, while the corpus albicans is an avascular, fibrous scar tissue without any hormone-secreting function. The corpus luteum degenerates into the corpus albicans after ovulation, ultimately leading to the menstruation process.

Comparative Table: Corpus Luteum vs Corpus Albicans

Here is a table comparing the differences between the corpus luteum and corpus albicans:

Both the corpus luteum and corpus albicans are masses of cells in the ovary, and new ones are formed during each menstrual cycle. However, they have distinct differences in color, vascularity, hormone production, size, and function.