The ligaments that suspend the lens (zonules) are derived from which structure?

The zonules, also known as the suspensory ligaments of the lens, are primarily derived from the tertiary vitreous. The tertiary vitreous is a fibrous structure that helps anchor and support the lens in the eye, connecting the ciliary body to the lens capsule. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the position of the lens and allowing it to change shape during the process of accommodation.

In contrast, while the lens capsule is the thin transparent layer surrounding the lens and is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the lens, it does not give rise to the zonules. The lens epithelium, which is a layer of cells on the anterior surface of the lens, is involved in the production of lens fibers but is not responsible for the formation of the zonules either. The primary vitreous refers to the early form of the vitreous body present in the developing eye and does not contribute to the zonules in adults. Thus, the relationship of the zonules to the tertiary vitreous is what makes it the correct answer.