Page 855 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

cavity (9).

The connective tissue of the cortex (1) that surrounds the corpus luteum

contains numerous blood vessels (4).

FIGURE 21.11 ■ Corpus luteum (panoramic view). Stain: hematoxylin and

eosin. Low magnification.

FIGURE 21.12 | Corpus Luteum: Theca Lutein

Cells and Granulosa Lutein Cells

The granulosa lutein cells (6) represent the hypertrophied former granulosa cells
of the mature follicle and constitute the folded mass of the corpus luteum. The

granulosa lutein cells (6) are large, have large vesicular nuclei, and stain lightly
owing to lipid inclusions. The theca lutein cells (1, 7) (the former theca interna
cells) are located external to the granulosa lutein cells (6) on the periphery of the
glandular epithelium. The theca lutein cells (1, 7) are smaller than the granulosa
lutein cells (6), stain darker, and their nuclei are smaller and darker.

The theca externa (2) with blood vessels, venule and arteriole (4), and
capillaries (5) invades the granulosa lutein cells (6) and theca lutein cells (1, 7).
A connective tissue septum with fibrocytes (3) penetrates the theca lutein cells

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