ciliary process

ciliary process

n.

Any of the radiating pigmented ridges on the inner surface of the ciliary body that, with the folds in the furrows between them, constitute the anterior portion of the ciliary body.

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ciliary process,

any one of about 80 tiny fleshy projections on the posterior surface of the iris, forming a frill around the margin of the crystalline lens of the eye. The processes compose one of the two zones of the ciliary body of the eye and are formed by infolding of the various layers of the choroid. They secrete nutrient fluids to nourish the lens, cornea, and vitreous body. See also ciliary body.

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ciliary

pertaining to or resembling cilia; used particulary in reference to certain eye structures, such as the ciliary body or muscles.

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ciliary adenomas

arise from the non-pigmented inner layer of the ciliary epithelium; cause hyphema or glaucoma.

ciliary body

the thickened part of the vascular tunic of the eye, connecting choroid and iris, made up of the ciliary muscle and the ciliary processes. The processes radiate from the ciliary muscle and give attachments to ligaments supporting the lens of the eye.

ciliary body inflammation

see cyclitis.

ciliary epithelium

rostral continuation of the pars ciliaris retinae; non-pigmented, non-neural cells.

ciliary flush

dilation of deep conjunctival vessels and episcleral vessels causing perilimbal redness.

ciliary glands

sweat glands which have become arrested in their development, situated at the edge of the eyelids. Called also Moll's glands.

ciliary inflammation

cyclitis.

ciliary injection

peripheral hyperemia of the anterior ciliary vessels which produces a deep red or rose color of the corneal stroma, and must be distinguished from hyperemia of the conjunctival vessels. May spread to the perilimbic corneal tissue. Called also ciliary flush.

ciliary muscle

the smooth (mammals) or striated (birds) muscle that forms the main part of the ciliary body and and functions in accommodation of the eye.

primary ciliary dyskinesia

abnormality of ciliary function leading to diseases of respiratory and reproductive tracts including sinusitis and bronchiectasis. May be associated with cardiac displacement. See also kartagener's syndrome.

ciliary process

folded structures on the posterior aspect of the ciliary body.

Anatomy of the ciliary processes. By permission from Guyton R, Hall JE, Textbook of Medical Physiology, Saunders, 2000

ciliary reflex

movements of the pupil in accommodation.

ciliary zonules

continuations of the ciliary processes of the ciliary body connecting it to the lens. They are in close contact with the hyaloid membrane of the vitreous body.