Which part is the inner, harder portion of the lens with several layers?

• A. Lens Cortex
• B. Lens Capsule
• C. Lens Nucleus
• D. Ciliary Body

Answer: (C)

The inner, harder portion of the lens is the nucleus. The lens has three main regions: the capsule, which is the thin outer envelope; the cortex, a softer outer layer made of newer lens fibers; and the nucleus at the center, where older lens fibers are densely packed and arranged in layered zones (embryonic, fetal, and adult). This central region becomes harder due to the increased density and packing of proteins over time. The ciliary body is a separate structure involved in accommodation and aqueous humor production, not part of the lens itself.