CORPUS LUTEUM OF MENSTRUATION. 



579 



Fig. 189. 



OVART, showing corpus 

 luteum four weeks after men- 

 struation ; from a woman dead 

 of apoplexy. 



the areolar tissue, bj which it was previously connected with the 

 substance of the ovary. 



After the third week from the close of menstruation, the corpus 

 luteum passes into a retrograde condition. It diminishes percep- 

 tibly in size, and the central coagulum con- 

 tinues to be absorbed and loses still farther 

 its coloring matter. The whole body under- 

 goes a process of partial atrophy; and at 

 the end of the fourth week it is not more 

 than three-eighths of an inch in its longest 

 diameter. (Fig. 189.) The external cicatrix 

 may still usually be seen, as well as the 

 point where the central coagulum comes 

 in contact with the peritoneum. There is 

 still no organic connection between the 

 central coagulum and the convoluted wall ; 

 but the partial condensation of the clot and 

 the continued folding of the wall prevent the 

 separation of the two being so easily accom- 

 plished as before, though it may still be 



effected by careful management. The entire corpus luteum may 

 also still be extracted from its bed in the ovarian tissue. 



The color of the convoluted wall, during the early part of this 

 retrograde stage, instead of fading, like that of the fibrinous coagu- 

 lum, becomes more strongly marked. From having a dull yellowish 

 or rosy hue, as at first, it gradually as- 

 sumes a brighter and more decided yellow. 

 This change of color in the convoluted 

 wall is produced in consequence of a 

 kind of fatty degeneration which takes 

 place in its texture ; a large quantity of oil- 

 globules being deposited in it at this time, 

 as may be readily recognized under the 

 microscope. At the end of the fourth 

 week, this alteration in hue is complete ; 

 and the outer wall of the corpus luteum 

 is then of a clear chrome-yellow color, by 

 which it is readily distinguished from all 

 the neighboring tissues. 



After this period, the process of atrophy 

 and degeneration goes on rapidly. The clot becomes constantly 



Fig. 190. 



OVART, phowinir corpus In- 

 teum. nine week* after menstrua- 

 tion ; from a pi rl dead of tuber- 

 cular meningitis. 



