Which part of ovary in mammals acts as an endocrine gland after ovulation?

102 2007 AIPMT-PRE Human ReproductionOvarian Cycle Easy
Which part of ovary in mammals acts as an endocrine gland after ovulation?
A stroma
B germinal epithelium
C vitelline membrane
D Graafian follicle

Detailed Solution

The ovary contains follicles at various stages of development; a mature follicle is called a Graafian follicle and contains the ovum surrounded by layers of follicle cells.
At ovulation the Graafian follicle ruptures and releases the ovum.
The remaining part of the ruptured Graafian follicle is transformed, under the influence of LH, into a yellow body called the corpus luteum.
The corpus luteum acts as a temporary endocrine gland: it secretes large amounts of progesterone (and some oestrogen), which is essential for the maintenance of the endometrium.
The stroma is the connective tissue of the ovary and the germinal epithelium is its outer covering; the vitelline membrane is the membrane of the ovum itself.
So the part that acts as an endocrine gland after ovulation is the Graafian follicle (as the corpus luteum).

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