Ciliary body

Definition

The ciliary body is a ring-shaped structure in the eye that connects the iris to the choroid, playing a crucial role in controlling the shape of the lens for focusing and producing aqueous humor, which nourishes the eye. It consists of two parts: the ciliary muscle, which adjusts lens shape for focusing, and the ciliary processes that produce aqueous humor.

Related terms

Iris:

The colored part of the eye surrounding the pupil that controls light levels inside the eye by adjusting pupil size.

Choroid:

A layer of tissue between the retina and sclera rich in blood vessels that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the eye, especially to the retina and ciliary body.

Aqueous Humor: A clear fluid produced by the ciliary processes within the eye that helps maintain intraocular pressure and provides nutrients to avascular structures like cornea and lens