Ciliary Processes
There are a ciliary processes located in each eye in the *human body.
They are one of the three "zones" of the ciliary body (connecting the choroid
with the iris).
The ciliary processes are formed by the plaiting and folding inward of some of the layers of the choroid. Together they form 60-80 radial ridges located behind the iris (which is the coloured part of the eye), and around the margin of the lens. There are large and small ciliary processes, the "large" ones numbering approx. 66% of the total and being approx. 2.5mm long, and the "small" ones filling the gaps between the larger ones.
The anterior (front) surface of the ciliary processes is turned towards the back of the iris and their posterior (back) surface is connected to the suspensory ligament of the lens.
Generally, the ciliary processes have a similar structure to those of the choroid. However, although the ciliary processes do also include some stellate pigment-cells, there are fewer than in the choroid itself.
More about Ophthalmology:
This section includes short definitions and descriptions of the parts of the eye.
For other descriptions in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete / exhaustive list).
Other related sections include:
- A labelled diagram of the eye
- A concise description of the human retina with brief descriptions of the parts of the retina
- Diseases and disorders of the human eye and the human visual system
- Clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system
For further information see also our pages of books about ophthalmology.
