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, they form the ciliary zonule (zonule of Zinn :ring of fibrous strands connecting the ciliary body with the crystalline lens of the eye).
The zonular fibers are seprataed by interstices (zonular spaces) with aqueous humor. These interstices forms behind the suspensory ligament, a sacculated canal, the spatia zonularis (canal of Petit), which encircles the equator of the lens; it can be easily inflated through a fine blowpipe inserted under the suspensory ligament.
Text by Antoine Micheau, MD - Copyright IMAIOS
