Zonular fibers
Fibrae zonulares
- Latin synonym: Ligaments suspenseurs du cristallin
- Synonym: Suspensory ligaments of lens
- Related terms: Zonular fibres
Definition
The zonular fibers anchor the the equator of the lens and adjacent anterior and posterior surface of the lens to the ciliary body and and ciliary part of the retina.
The ciliary epithelial cells of the eye probably synthesize portions of the zonules.
Together, the zonular fibres form the ciliary zonule (zonule of Zinn :ring of fibrous strands connecting the ciliary body with the crystalline lens of the eye).
Functional role in accommodation
The zonular fibres play a crucial role in accomodation:
Relaxed ciliary muscle: zonular tension increases → lens flattens for distant vision.
Contracted ciliary muscle: zonular tension decreases → lens becomes more convex for near vision.
References
Rathaur P, Rodriguez J, Liu V, Bassnett S. Ciliary Zonule of the Human Eye: Structural and Mechanical Aspects. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2026 Apr 1;67(4):62. doi: 10.1167/iovs.67.4.62. PMID: 42047669.
