Following ovulation, the ruptured ovarian follicle undergoes a structural and functional transformation to become the corpus luteum, which means 'yellow body'. Its primary endocrine function is to secrete large amounts of progesterone and some estrogen. Progesterone is essential for preparing and maintaining the endometrium (the uterine lining) for the potential implantation of a fertilized egg. It induces the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, making the endometrium thick, vascular, and rich in nutrients. If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum is initially maintained by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to support the pregnancy until the placenta takes over hormone production. If no pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum regresses, leading to a drop in progesterone and the onset of menstruation.

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Zambia

• Joseph Soko – 101 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies