Surface morphology of the human ciliary body during prenatal development. A scanning electron microscopic study.

The development of the ciliary body was examined by scanning electron microscopy in human embryos and fetuses with a gestation age of 9.5 to 24 weeks. During this period it was possible to follow up the main morphogenetical events, beginning with the appearance of the first radial folds up to the occurrence of ciliary processes with a rather adultlike arrangement. The ciliary processes observed during week 24 differed from those of the adult eye only by their dimensions and the lack of surface infoldings. A primitive pars plana could only be identified during week 24. The morphological basis for aqueous humor production is discussed.