suspensory

Suspensory is an adjective used in anatomy, botany, and related fields to describe something that supports or suspends another structure. In anatomical contexts, suspensory structures are usually ligaments or connective-tissue bands that attach an organ to a fixed point and help stabilize or position it.

In human anatomy, suspensory ligaments are diverse and serve different organs. The suspensory ligaments of the lens, also called the zonules of Zinn, connect the lens to the ciliary body. Tension in these fibers changes the lens shape to adjust focus for near or far vision, a process known as accommodation. The suspensory ligament of the ovary, or infundibulopelvic ligament, anchors the ovary to the lateral abdominal wall and contains ovarian vessels. The breast contains Cooper’s ligaments, fibrous bands that extend from the chest wall to the skin and support glandular tissue, contributing to breast shape and contour. The suspensory ligament of the penis attaches the penis to the pubic symphysis, helping stabilize the organ. The ligaments of Treitz, or the suspensory muscle of the duodenum, support the duodenojejunal junction and delineate the boundary between the foregut and midgut.

In botany, the term suspensory is less commonly used. When it appears, it may describe structures that suspend plant organs or tissues, though the more precise term is often suspensor, a cellular structure in seeds that connects the embryo to the parent plant and mediates nutrient transfer.

Overall, suspensory structures play a key role in positioning, support, and function of various organs throughout the body.