Final answer:
The corpus luteum in the ovaries produces hormones like progesterone and estrogen to prepare and maintain the uterine lining in case of a potential pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the ovaries, after ovulation, the support cells left behind form a structure called the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum produces hormones, including progesterone and some estrogen, that are crucial for preparing and maintaining the uterine lining in case of a potential pregnancy.