Question

How macula lutea and corpus luteum are related?
A) Both contribute in maintaining pregnancy
B) Both are a source of hormones
C) Both are characterized by their yellow color
D) Both are found in human ovaries

Answer 1

The corpus luteum is an endocrine structure composed of a mass of cells which is temporarily formed inside the ovaries of females. On the other hand, macular or macula lutea is found in the retina. It is a pigmented area which is oval in shape. This structure is present close to the center of retina in the human eye and eyes of some other animals.

Complete answer:
As soon as the egg is released from the ovary, the color and shape of the cells that lines the follicle of the ovary changes. This results in the formation of corpus luteum which is a mass of cells present inside the ovary. The corpus luteum is sometimes also referred to as the yellow body because of its characteristic yellow color. In early stages of pregnancy, it produces a hormone known as progesterone. Menstrual cycle is also regulated with the help of corpus luteum only. During ovulation, the ovarian follicular cells give rise to this endocrine gland which is dynamic in nature.
However, macula lutea is found in the posterior pole of the eye near the optic disc. It is also characterized by a yellow color pigment. It occurs in the retina as a yellow spot which is often represented as the yellow area of the retina. It is further divided into the fovea, umbo, foveal avascular zone, foveola, perifovea and parafovea regions.
The yellow color pigment present in both corpus luteum and macula lutea is known as lutein.
On the other hand, only the corpus luteum is present in ovaries which are responsible for production of hormones that helps in maintaining pregnancy. However, macula lutea is located in the retina of the eye and it does not produce any sort of hormone therefore does not contribute to pregnancy by any means. It provides visual acuity to the eyes that is a sharp central vision.

So, the correct answer is option “C” that is both corpus luteum as well as macula lutea is characterized by their yellow color.

Note:
Progesterone hormone is produced by the corpus luteum present in the ovaries. This hormone is responsible for maintaining the pregnancy. Another hormone, estrogen is also secreted by the corpus luteum which prepares the body for conceiving a baby. Anatomically, macula lutea is present in the retina as a small zone which is yellow in color. It is found near the optic disc and helps in providing central vision to the individual.