CHAP. XXXIX.] 



CORPORA LUTE A. 



565 



malian animal be examined soon after the escape of the ovum, it is 

 found to be almost completely filled with an exudation, similar to 

 that which, by its gradual increase in quantity, has caused the 

 ovum to be carried to the surface of the follicle. In a short time, 

 the outer portion of the follicle is occupied by a firm yellow sub- 

 stance, which is probably formed from plasma, exuded from its 

 walls. After many careful examinations, Dr. Lee has been led to 

 conclude that this yellow matter is deposited external to both the 

 membranes of the follicle.* Montgomery regards it as situated 

 between the layers, while some authorities look upon the internal 

 surface of the inner membrane as the precise seat of its formation. 

 Dr. Zwicky considers the large cells, of which the yellow matter 

 is composed, as modifications of the small cells of the immature 

 follicles. Their nuclei are large and well defined, and they contain 

 numerous oil-globules in their interior. Although bodies, which 

 are liable to be taken for corpora lutea, are, from time to time, 

 found in the virgin ovary, a foetus has never been found in the 

 uterus without the formation of an unmistakeable corpus luteum 

 Haller's remark, therefore, " nullus unquam conceptus est absque 

 corpore luteo," although made so many years ago, may still be 

 regarded as strictly true. 



At first, this exudation is of a dark brown or brownish-red 



Fig. 286. 



I 8 



Corpora lutea of the human female at different periods. 1. Eight days after conception. 

 2. At the end of the second month. 3. At the termination of the fourth month. 4. At the 

 seventh month. 5. Two days after delivery. 6. Twelve weeks after delivery. 7. Corpus 

 luteum of menstruation, or false corpus luteum, four weeks old. 8. Corpus luteum of raem- 

 strnation thirty days old. 



a. Capsule of ovary, b. Substance of corpus luteum. c. Coagulum occupying cavity in its 

 interior, d. Stroma of the ovary. Altered from figures by Montgomery, Kolliker, and Dalton. 



* Med. Chir. Trans., vol. xxii. 



