The transparent lens in the human eye is held in its place by
ligaments attached to the ciliary body.
— Concept: This question tests your knowledge of the anatomy of the human eye, specifically how the lens is suspended and…Concept: This question tests your knowledge of the anatomy of the human eye, specifically how the lens is suspended and its connection to the surrounding structures.
Why (A) is correct: The transparent lens of the human eye is held in position by suspensory ligaments. These ligaments are attached to the margin of the lens and extend outwards to connect with the ciliary body. The ciliary body contains ciliary muscles which, when they contract or relax, alter the tension in the suspensory ligaments, thereby changing the curvature (and focal length) of the lens for accommodation (focusing on objects at different distances).
Why other options are wrong:
(B) ligaments attached to the Iris: The iris controls pupil size; ligaments do not attach the lens to the iris.
(C) smooth muscles attached to the iris: The iris contains smooth muscles (sphincter and dilator pupillae) that regulate pupil size, but these do not hold the lens.
(D) smooth muscles attached to the ciliary body: The ciliary body contains ciliary muscles (which are smooth muscles), but they do not directly hold the lens; rather, they act on the suspensory ligaments which in turn hold the lens.
Common Mistake: Students often confuse the role of the ciliary body and iris, or the direct attachment of muscles versus ligaments to the lens.
NEET Tip: Remember the sequence: Ciliary body Suspensory ligaments Lens. This helps in understanding the mechanism of accommodation.
Correct Answer: (A)
ligaments attached to the ciliary body.