Which of the following structures is critical for lens stability during accommodation?

The zonules, also known as zonules of Zinn or suspensory ligaments, play a crucial role in maintaining lens stability during the process of accommodation. These fine fibers connect the ciliary body to the lens, helping to hold the lens in place. When the ciliary body contracts during accommodation, it causes the zonules to relax, allowing the lens to become more rounded. This increased curvature is essential for focusing on near objects.

In contrast, while other structures like the cornea and iris are important for overall eye function and vision, they do not have a direct role in the stability of the lens during the accommodation process. The ciliary body is involved in accommodation by altering tension on the zonules but is not the structure that provides the stability itself. Thus, the zonules are critical for the dynamic adjustment of lens position and shape, making them central to the accommodation mechanism.