The ciliary body is a part of the eye that is responsible for changing the shape of the lens to focus on objects at different distances. The spelling of this word is "sɪliəri ˈbɒdi", where "sɪliəri" represents the phonetic spelling of the first syllable. This spelling indicates that the "c" is pronounced as an "s" sound followed by an "i" sound, and the "r" is silent. The second syllable, "body", is pronounced as "/ˈbɒdi/" with the emphasis on the first syllable.
The ciliary body, also known as the corpora ciliare, is a vital part of the eye located between the iris and the choroid. It plays a crucial role in the process of accommodation, which is the ability of the lens to change its shape and adjust its focus to see objects at different distances.
Anatomy-wise, the ciliary body consists of a circular base that connects to the iris and a posterior end that merges with the choroid. It is composed of smooth muscle fibers, blood vessels, and ciliary processes. These processes are tiny, finger-like projections that secrete aqueous humor, a clear fluid that fills the space in the front part of the eye.
Functionally, the ciliary body has two main roles. First, it produces aqueous humor, which maintains the intraocular pressure, supplies nutrients to the cornea and lens, and contributes to the overall health of the eye. Second, it regulates the tension and shape of the lens through the muscles present in its structure. This process is vital for the eye's ability to focus on objects at varying distances, as the muscles in the ciliary body contract or relax to adjust the lens accordingly.
In summary, the ciliary body is an important part of the eye responsible for the production of aqueous humor and accommodation, allowing the eye to properly focus on objects at different distances.
The ciliary processes and muscles taken collectively.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ciliary" comes from the Latin word "cilia", which means "eyelashes". The term "ciliary body" refers to a structure in the eye that is primarily responsible for the production of aqueous humor (a clear fluid that fills the space between the cornea and the lens). The ciliary body is located behind the iris and consists of ciliary muscle and ciliary processes. The name "ciliary body" is derived from its proximity to the cilia, the eyelashes, and its involvement in the functioning of the eye.