According to the sources, after ovulation occurs, the remaining parts of the ruptured Graafian follicle are transformed into a structure called the corpus luteum . This corpus luteum acts as a temporary endocrine gland by secreting large amounts of progesterone, a hormone essential for maintaining the endometrium and supporting a potential pregnancy . Other parts like the stroma and germinal epithelium are structural components of the ovary but do not serve this specific endocrine function post-ovulation .