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How does the corpus albicans form in the ovary?

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Detailed cross-sectional illustration of a human ovary showing the stages of follicle development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation, with labeled structures including primordial, primary, secondary, and mature follicles, a ruptured follicle releasing an ovum, and corpus luteum and albicans. An inset at the bottom shows the ovary's location in the female reproductive system. — ovary The steps of ovulation, beginning with a dormant primordial follicle that grows and matures and is eventually released from the ovary into the fallopian tube.

The corpus albicans forms in the ovary as a result of the degeneration of the corpus luteum.12

Following ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, a glandular structure that secretes progesterone. If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum remains active for approximately 14 days before it begins to degenerate. During this process, the gland shrinks and fibrous tissue is formed, converting the structure into a whitish, scarlike mass known as the corpus albicans. This structure typically persists in the ovary for a few months.12

If fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum is maintained to support the early stages of pregnancy, but it eventually retrogresses and also becomes a fibrous scar by the time of parturition.12