Luteumi

Luteumi is aLatin form sometimes encountered in scientific literature as the plural of luteum, meaning “yellow bodies.” In standard anatomical terminology, the structure most often discussed is the corpus luteum, with the plural corpora lutea; luteumi is not widely used in modern nomenclature and may appear only in older texts or as a nonstandard variant.

In the ovary, the corpus luteum forms after ovulation when the ruptured follicle undergoes luteinization. It consists of luteinized granulosa and theca interna cells and has a characteristic yellowish appearance due to lipid content. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone, with smaller amounts of estrogen, to prepare the endometrium for potential embryo implantation and to support early pregnancy. Its hormonal production is driven primarily by luteinizing hormone from the pituitary.

If fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum is maintained by human chorionic gonadotropin and can persist for several weeks until placental progesterone production becomes sufficient. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum regresses through luteolysis and becomes the corpus albicans, a fibrous scar.

Clinically, the function and timing of the corpus luteum are central to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Abnormalities such as luteal phase deficiency or luteal cysts can affect fertility or cause hormonal symptoms, though these conditions are managed within the broader context of reproductive health. In terminology, corpus luteum and corpora lutea remain the standard references, while luteumi appears mainly as a historical or nonstandard variant.