What happens to the corpus luteum if pregnancy occurs?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum is maintained by human chronic gonadotropin (hCG) secreted by the developing embryo until the placenta takes over hormone production. This ensures that levels of progesterone and estrogen remain high, which is necessary for maintaining the early pregnancy. The corpus luteum does not degenerate in this case, unlike in non-pregnant cycles where it degenerates after about two weeks.

What Happens to the Corpus Luteum If Pregnancy Occurs