The Ciliary Processes are
located in each eye in the human body.
They are one of the three "zones"
of the ciliary
body (connecting the choroid with
the iris).
The ciliary processes are formed by the plaiting
and folding inward of some of the layers of the choroid. Together they
form 60-80 radial ridges located behind the iris (which is the coloured
part of the eye), and around the margin of the lens.
There are large and small ciliary processes, the "large" ones numbering
approx. 66% of the total and being approx. 2.5mm long, and the "small"
ones filling the gaps between the larger ones.
The anterior (front) surface of the ciliary processes is turned towards
the back of the iris and their posterior (back) surface is connected
to the suspensory ligament of the lens.
Generally, the ciliary processes have a similar structure
to those of the choroid. However, although the ciliary processes do also
include some stellate pigment-cells, there are fewer than in the choroid
itself.
The subject of visual (also known as "physiological")
optics is a key component of many courses within the fields of
both biology and physics. It is also an essential consideration
in the design of displays and control units used in many applications
from
televisions
and mobile telephones to advanced aircraft. In the context of engineering
"visual optics" is one of several medical and psychological topics in
the important area of "Human Factors".
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