Question

While the ovum is on its way to the uterus, a successful mating results in the presence of sperm cells in the fallopian tube. One of these sperm cells fertilizes the ovum. How does this event affect the corpus luteum?

Answer 1

If the sperm cell fertilises the ovum, and implantation does not occur, then the corpus luteum degenerates and it turns into corpus albicans, stopping progesterone secretion. If fertilisation occurs and implantation also, the syncytiotrophoblast, the "root part" of the blastocyst (one of the early structures originated from the zygote), produces a hormone that is called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The hCG is what makes the corpus luteum keep secreting progesterone and maintain itself. The progesterone will then help keep the endometrium and, therefore, allow the development of the embryo to happen.