Zonula Ciliaris
The zonula ciliaris has many other similar names, including the zonule of Zinn, and simply as the zonules (as indicated in the diagram below).
In all cases these terms refer to the part of the of the human eye formed by the change of structure of the hyaloid membrane as it moves in front of (anterior to) the ora serrata, which is the area in which the retina terminates as a jagged margin towards the front of the eyeball as it approaches the ciliary body (see below).
See the diagram showing the location of the zonule of Zinn (labelled 'Zonules'), below-left below.
N.B. The distance between the ora serrata and ciliary body is exaggerated on this diagram. The approx. position of the Hyaloid Membrane at the position at which it becomes the Zonules is shown as a dotted line.
For further detail see Gray's Anatomy, which is informative yet inexpensive.
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.
