520 



THE KEPKODUCTIVE SYSTEM 



is apparently held in solution. The origin of these cells is still a matter 

 of controversy. By certain observers they have been thought to result 

 from the growth and multiplication of those cells of the stratum granu- 

 losum which remain after the rupture of the follicle (Bischoff, Pfliiger, 

 Sobotta) ; by others they are derived from the connective tissue cells in 

 the tunica interna of the theca folliculi (Kolliker, His, Palladino). 

 Teacher (1908) interprets his preparations to 'indicate quite clearly that, 



^ 



. 



FIG. 457. SECTION THROUGH THE PERIPHERAL PORTION OF A CORPUS LUTEUM, 

 SHOWING LUTEIN CELLS. 



a, the fibrous coat of the corpus luteum; b, lutein cells with bands of newly formed 

 connective tissue; c, central blood clot, partially organized. Moderately magnified. 

 (After Williams.) 



whatever the source of the cells may be in lower animals, they do not in 

 man arise from the membrana granulosa.' Lutein cells may multiply 

 by mitosis. 



The lutein cells increase rapidly both in number and in size, and 

 gradually encroach upon the margin of the blood clot whose progressive 

 absorption precedes the advance of the lutein cells. But not only does 

 the lutein mass grow centralward, it also, and especially in the event of 

 fertilization of the discharged ovum with the consequently increased 



