progesterone

n. a hormone, secreted mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary, that stimulates the proliferation of the endometrium (lining) of the uterus required for implantation of an embryo. If implantation occurs, progesterone continues to be secreted—first by the corpus luteum and then by the placenta—maintaining the pregnant uterus and preventing further release of egg cells from the ovary. It also stimulates development of milk-secreting cells in the breasts.

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Psychology term of the day

February 23rd 2025

color cone

a three-dimensional representation of all visible colors that takes into account hue, saturation, and luminous intensity. Luminous intensity is represented on the vertical axis, hue is represented in polar coordinates around the vertical axis, and saturation is represented radially around the vertical axis. See color solid.