J. Examine the ovaries on your reproductive tract. The outer surface of the ovary is the germinal epithelium. Locate and identify any corpora lutea (singular = corpus luteum) and tertiary follicles. The function of the follicles are to produce oocytes and estrogens. The function of the corpora lutea are the production of progestins. The ovary in the pig is very different than the cow with the overall description of the pig ovary as more of a grape cluster like appearance. The cow is more almond shape. In the pig the follicles and corpora lutea sit very much on the surface of the ovary while in the cow, most of these sturctures are buried within the ovary.

K. Cut open a corpus luteum on one of the ovaries. Note how much of the corpus luteum is below the surface of the ovary.

L. Now look for a small white or yellow spots on the surface of the ovaries that is not a tertiary follicle. These are likely to be corpus albicantia (white body, but yellow in pig, singular = corpus albicans) that is actually regressing corpora lutea. This can be verified by cutting into one of the structure with a scapel to demonstrate it is not a corpus luteum.