What are the small fibers that attach the peripheral lens to the ciliary body called?

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Multiple Choice

What are the small fibers that attach the peripheral lens to the ciliary body called?

The fibers are the zonules, also known as the suspensory ligaments of the lens. They form a delicate network that tethers the peripheral lens to the ciliary body: they originate from the ciliary processes and insert into the lens capsule near the equator. This attachment holds the lens in place and transmits the pulling forces of the ciliary muscle to change the lens shape during accommodation. When the ciliary muscle contracts, the tension on the zonules decreases, allowing the lens to become more curved for near vision. When the muscle relaxes, the zonular tension increases, flattening the lens for distance vision. The other structures mentioned—drainage channels like Schlemm’s canal, the uvea, and the trabecular meshwork—have different roles in eye physiology and do not attach the lens to the ciliary body.

The fibers are the zonules, also known as the suspensory ligaments of the lens. They form a delicate network that tethers the peripheral lens to the ciliary body: they originate from the ciliary processes and insert into the lens capsule near the equator. This attachment holds the lens in place and transmits the pulling forces of the ciliary muscle to change the lens shape during accommodation. When the ciliary muscle contracts, the tension on the zonules decreases, allowing the lens to become more curved for near vision. When the muscle relaxes, the zonular tension increases, flattening the lens for distance vision. The other structures mentioned—drainage channels like Schlemm’s canal, the uvea, and the trabecular meshwork—have different roles in eye physiology and do not attach the lens to the ciliary body.

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