Which structure produces progesterone to prepare the uterus for pregnancy?

The structure responsible for producing progesterone to prepare the uterus for pregnancy is the corpus luteum. After ovulation, the follicle that released the egg transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone. This hormone is crucial because it thickens the uterine lining (endometrium), making it more suitable for a fertilized egg to implant. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone production continues, supporting the early stages of pregnancy. If fertilization does not take place, the corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a drop in progesterone levels and the eventual onset of menstruation.

While the ovaries are involved in hormone production, particularly estrogen and progesterone, they do not specifically refer to the structure that produces progesterone for the purpose of preparing the uterus for pregnancy. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus itself and does not produce hormones. The cervix serves various functions related to facilitating childbirth and protecting the uterus but is not involved in hormone production related to pregnancy preparation.