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What changes occur when a mature ovarian follicle ruptures?

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Front view anatomical diagrams of the male and female reproductive systems, with labeled organs including penis, testis, prostate gland, uterus, ovary, and vagina. — human reproductive system Organs and structures of the male and female reproductive systems.

When a mature Graafian follicle ruptures, it releases the egg (oocyte) along with follicular fluid and some surrounding tissue into the peritoneal cavity, where it is directed into the fallopian tube. This process is known as ovulation.123

Following the rupture, the follicle undergoes the following changes:

Collapse: The follicle collapses due to the loss of its follicular fluid.3
Transformation: The granulosa and theca cells fill the lumen of the ruptured follicle, transforming it into a glandular structure called the corpus luteum.123
Hormone Production: The corpus luteum begins producing significant amounts of progesterone, which prepares the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy.123
Fate: If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum involutes after about two weeks and becomes a whitish scar mass known as a corpus albicans. If fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum persists and continues to produce hormones to support the pregnancy until the placenta takes over.132