Zonule of Zinn

The zonule of Zinn is a ring of fibrous strands which connects the ciliary body with the eye lens. These fibers are known as the suspensory ligament, which holds the lens in place. It relaxes by the contraction of the ciliary muscle. Relaxation of the ligament allows the lens to become more convex, adapting to short range focus.

The zonule is divided into two layers: a thin layer which lines the hyaloid fossa and a thicker layer which consists of zonular fibers. The zonule of Zinn is a system of fibers that stretches from the ciliary body to the lens periphery. Its function is to secure the lens in the optical axis and transfer forces from the ciliary muscle in accommodation.