Autumn, I am not a medical person, but this is how the luteal phase has been explained to me. The luteal phase is the part in your cycle after ovulation. After the egg is released from the ovary the corpus luteum remains at the site where the egg is released and begins producing hormones, such as progesterone and the like, which help build up the endometrial lining to prepare for an egg. If the egg is not fertilized and does not implant then the corpus luteum shrinks, stops producing hormones, and you have your menstrual cycle.

Yes and no about the cervix. Yes, the cervical position does change throughout the cycle. However, I do

I have a BS in Zoology and the book, Taking Charge of your Fertility (which I wrote a review of here: http://youngernews.blogspot.com/2011/11/book-review-taking-charge-of-your.html, taught me tons and tons about how a woman's body works.

Cervical position does change and can indicate ovulation, just keep in mine that what that looks like or feels like for you is not necessarily the same for the next woman. Taking charge does a good job of explaining all of this, plus luteal phase and all other other signs and symptoms of a woman's cycle.