Definition of Ciliary Suspensory Ligament
The ciliary suspensory ligament, more properly called the suspensory ligament of the lens of the eye, suspends the lens from a ring of tissue called the ciliary body.
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Ciliary Body
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The ciliary body is a thick, blood-rich ring of tissue that contains the ciliary muscles that are important in controlling the shape of the eye lens.
Ciliary Processes
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The surface of the ciliary body has folds called ciliary processes that contain capillaries that secrete a fluid into part of the eyeball. The suspensory ligament extends from the ciliary processes to the lens.
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Function
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The function of the suspensory ligament is to help hold the lens in its upright position.
Distance Vision
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When you view distant objects, the ciliary muscles relax and place tension on the suspensory ligaments, according to the State University of New York. The ligaments then pull the lens, causing it to become thinner.
Near Vision
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When you view nearby objects, the ciliary muscles contract and reduce the tension on the suspensory ligaments, and the lens becomes thicker.
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References
- Human Anatomy and Physiology; Elaine N. Marieb; 1995
- State University of New York: Sensory Systems
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
