What role does the ciliary body play in relation to the iris?

The ciliary body is an important structure in the eye that serves multiple functions, particularly in relation to the iris. Its primary role involves connecting the iris to the rest of the eye, which is vital for the overall functionality of the eye's structure. The ciliary body is responsible for holding the iris in place and providing the necessary support, while also playing a significant part in the accommodation process through its connection with the lens.

In contrast, the other options touch on functions that are not precisely associated with the ciliary body or are specific to other structures in the eye. For instance, focusing light is primarily the job of the lens and cornea. Regulating pupil size is a function performed by the iris itself, as it contains the muscles that constrict or dilate the pupil in response to light. Converting light to nerve signals is a function attributed to photoreceptor cells located in the retina, not the ciliary body. Thus, the role of the ciliary body as a connector highlights its essential function in maintaining the anatomy and physiological processes of the eye.