Formation of the Corpus Luteum
Spontaneously Functional:
following ovulation, the corpus luteum forms and secretes progesterone (and estrogen) for several days
Not Spontaneously Functional:
corpus luteum will not form unless female engages in copulation
critical stimulus--intromissions
(insertion of penis into vagina by male) will stimulate a neuroendocrine reflex in the female leading to release of PRL which then acts to form the corpus luteum
PRF: prolactin releasing factor
PRL Neuroendocrine Reflex