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HistologyBody systemsFemale reproductive systemCorpus albicans
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HistologyBody systemsFemale reproductive systemCorpus albicans

Corpus albicans

Author: Edwin Ocran, MBChB, MSc • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: March 06, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

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Corpus albicans
1/2
Synonyms: Atretic corpus luteum, Corpus candicans

The corpus albicans, derived from the Latin term for "white body," refers to the whitish mass of dense fibrous connective tissue that forms in the ovary at the site of a corpus luteum following its regression.

The corpus luteum develops from an ovarian follicle once an ovum is released. It typically undergoes involution if the ovum remains unfertilized, or once the placenta is capable of producing sufficient progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy. As the corpus luteum deteriorates, its cells degenerate through autolysis, and are subsequently phagocytosed by macrophages and invaded by fibroblasts, leaving behind a temporary, functionless, collagen-filled scar.

The corpus albicans is primarily composed of collagen, with few fibroblasts and other cell types. Over time, it significantly reduces in size and typically becomes completely resorbed over a period of several months.

Terminology English: Corpus albicans
Synonym: Atretic corpus luteum

Latin: Corpus albicans
Synonym: Corpus candicans
Definition Whitish connective tissue scar remnant of a degenerated corpus luteum
Function None

Learn more about corpus albicans in the following study unit:

Uterus, uterine tubes and ovaries Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Mescher, A. L., & Junqueira, L. C. (2013). Junqueira's basic histology: Text & atlas. McGraw-Hill Medical.
  • Ross, M. H., & Pawlina, W. (2011). Histology : a text and atlas : with correlated cell and molecular biology (6th ed.). Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Health.
  • Young, B., O'Dowd, G., & Woodford, P. (2014). Wheater's functional histology: A text and colour atlas. Churchill Livingston/Elsevier.

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