Definition

1. Noun:
   • Anatomical structure: The ciliary body is a part of the eye's uveal tract (the middle layer of the eye wall), situated between the choroid and the iris. It is a ring-shaped tissue that contains the ciliary muscle and is lined with the ciliary processes.
   • Physiological function: The ciliary body has two primary functions: it produces the aqueous humor (the clear fluid inside the front part of the eye), and it contains muscles that change the shape of the eye's lens to focus on near or far objects (a process called accommodation).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ciliary body is crucial for maintaining intraocular pressure through the production of aqueous humor.
  • During an eye examination, the doctor checked the health of the patient's ciliary body.
  • Accommodation for near vision involves the contraction of muscles within the ciliary body.

Advanced Usage

• "Ciliary body inflammation": Also known as cyclitis, this is a condition where the ciliary body becomes inflamed.

  • Uveitis can sometimes specifically affect the ciliary body, leading to pain and blurred vision.

• "Ciliary body processes": Refers to the small, finger-like projections on the ciliary body that secrete aqueous humor.

  • The ciliary processes are part of the ciliary body's secretory function.

Variants and Related Words

• Ciliary (adj): Pertaining to or involving the ciliary body or similar hair-like structures.
  • Ciliary muscle.
• Ciliarotomy (n): A surgical incision into the ciliary body. (Note: This is a highly specialized medical term).

Synonyms

• None commonly used: In precise anatomical and ophthalmological contexts, "ciliary body" is the specific term. In very general descriptions, it might be referred to as part of the "uvea" or "uveal tract."

Related Phrases

• Ciliary muscle: The smooth muscle within the ciliary body responsible for changing lens shape.
• Aqueous humor production: A key functional phrase associated with the ciliary body.

Related Idioms

• None: This is a specific anatomical term and is not used idiomatically.

Noun

1. the part of the tunic of the eye between the choroid coat and the iris
   • the ciliary body produces aqueous humor