The ciliary body is a ring-shaped structure in the eye, located behind the iris. It’s a crucial part of the eye’s anatomy, responsible for:
- Aqueous humor production: The ciliary body produces the clear fluid (aqueous humor) that fills the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye.
- Lens accommodation: The ciliary muscles control the shape of the lens, allowing it to focus on near or far objects.
- Lens suspension: The ciliary body is connected to the lens via zonular fibers, which suspend the lens in place.
The ciliary body consists of two main parts:
- Ciliary muscles: These muscles contract and relax to change the lens shape for focusing.
- Ciliary processes: These are finger-like extensions that produce aqueous humor.
The ciliary body plays a vital role in maintaining the eye’s health and function, and any issues with it can lead to vision problems or eye diseases.