What are the two major functions of the ciliary body?

• A. Regulates intraocular pressure and refraction
• B. Produces tears and maintains eyelid tone
• C. Produces aqueous humor and accommodation
• D. Absorbs light to protect retina

Answer: (C)

The ciliary body has two main jobs: making the fluid that fills the front part of the eye and helping the eye focus on near objects. Its ciliary processes continuously produce aqueous humor, which flows from the posterior chamber to the anterior chamber, nourishing ocular tissues and contributing to the pressure inside the eye. For focusing, the ciliary muscle contracts, loosening the zonular fibers that hold the lens in place. This allows the lens to become more curved, increasing its refractive power for near vision. That combination—producing aqueous humor and enabling accommodation—is why this choice is correct. The other options point to functions handled by other structures, like tear production by glands around the eye or light absorption by the retina.